LASIK Surgery in Atlanta, GA

What Is LASIK and How Does It Work?

LASIK is a corrective laser eye surgery that reduces or eliminates your dependency on eyeglasses and contact lenses. The procedure treats nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism by gently reshaping the cornea so that light focuses correctly on the retina. For many patients, this instantly transforms everyday life, making it possible to drive, exercise, swim, apply makeup and wake up each morning with clear, natural vision. As a long-trusted LASIK provider in the Atlanta area, our team combines decades of surgical experience with industry-leading laser technology to deliver consistent, life-changing results.

LASIK Surgeon Near Me

Choosing an experienced, conveniently located LASIK surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make on your vision correction journey. Our center is easily accessible to patients across the southside of metro Atlanta, and we have created dedicated resources for the communities we serve most. If you are searching for laser vision correction close to home, explore our local LASIK pages for LASIK near Hapeville, LASIK near East Point, LASIK near College Park, LASIK near Forest Park and LASIK near Conley. Each page covers what to expect, candidacy, recovery and convenient scheduling for your neighborhood.

Who Is a Candidate for LASIK?

The best way to know whether LASIK is right for you is a comprehensive evaluation, but you may be a strong candidate if you meet the following criteria:

• You are at least 18 years old.
• You have been diagnosed with nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.
• Your glasses or contacts prescription has not changed significantly in at least a year.
• Your eyes are healthy and you do not have any active eye infections or injuries.
• You have adequate corneal thickness to support the procedure.
• You understand the potential risks and have decided the benefits outweigh the risks.
• You have reasonable expectations of what laser eye surgery can accomplish.
• You are in good general health and do not take any medications that could adversely affect the healing process.

If LASIK is not the ideal fit for your corneas, our surgeons may recommend an alternative such as PRK surgery or refractive lens exchange to help you reach your vision goals.

Atlanta LASIK Surgery Details

During a LASIK procedure, Dr. Achiron or Dr. O’Day use numbing drops to keep you comfortable. Next, they use a precise surgical tool to create a thin, circular flap in the cornea. They then gently fold back the flap to access the stroma beneath the cornea and remove a microscopic amount of corneal tissue with an excimer laser.

The highly innovative laser uses an ultraviolet light beam to remove tissue and reshape the cornea so the eye can focus light more accurately on the retina, improving vision. If you are nearsighted, the goal is to make the cornea flatter; if you are farsighted, a steeper cornea is necessary. The entire procedure typically takes only about 10 to 15 minutes per eye.

LASIK Surgery Benefits

LASIK offers a wide range of benefits. Nearly 96% of patients regain their optimal vision shortly after the procedure, and most can expect full vision correction within 24 hours. Because there are no stitches or bandages, aftercare is simple and recovery is quick.

The majority of patients rarely need corrective eyewear afterward, and many no longer require glasses or contacts at all. As your vision naturally changes with age, Dr. Achiron and Dr. O’Day can make adjustments to help you maintain clear, comfortable vision over the long term.

Zyoptix 217 Treatment

Atlanta Vision Cataract & Laser Center offers an advanced technique called the Zyoptix 217. This treatment is in the same family as LASIK but provides a more advanced, personalized and accurate correction.

Using 100Hz of power and a unique laser, Dr. Achiron or Dr. O’Day use the Zyoptix 217 to correct standard refractive errors along with subtle imperfections that can cause issues such as glare or shading around light. Traditional LASIK primarily addresses major refractive errors, while the Zyoptix 217 allows for a more customized, higher-definition result.

Preparing for LASIK Surgery

If you decide to move forward with refractive eye surgery, you will first have a baseline eye examination with a member of our team to evaluate your unique eye anatomy and visual needs. You will be asked to stop wearing contacts before this appointment, because contacts can slightly alter the natural shape of your cornea and our doctors need accurate measurements to plan the best surgical outcome.

Once your surgery is scheduled, there are a few simple steps to prepare. Most importantly, arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery, as your vision will be blurry or hazy afterward. Make sure your doctor has a complete list of all medications you take and follow any instructions about temporarily adjusting them. On the day of surgery, do not apply any lotions, creams, serums or cosmetics to your face, and you may be asked to clean your eyelashes of debris. Dress in loose, comfortable clothing.

Recovering From LASIK Surgery

Mild aftereffects such as burning, itching or a foreign-body sensation are common, along with blurry or hazy vision right after surgery. Refrain from pressing or rubbing your eyes as they heal, keep your eyes dry, and protect them from the sun when outdoors.

Our doctors will follow up with you the day after surgery and throughout your recovery to monitor your healing progress and advise when it is safe to return to your daily routine. Patients with other vision needs can also explore our full range of services, including cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, astigmatism correction and dry eye treatment.

Schedule an appointment for a vision correction consultation with Dr. Achiron or Dr. O’Day by filling out our online form.

*Individual results may vary

LASIK Eye Surgery FAQs