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Lifetime cost of visual aids:
$0*Imagine waking up and seeing the world clearly, without reaching for your glasses or fumbling with contact lenses. For millions of people, LASIK eye surgery has made that a daily reality. At Southern Eye Group, our board-certified ophthalmologists and refractive surgeons have helped patients across the Gulf Coast and Alabama achieve lasting vision correction through personalized, precision-guided LASIK care.
With multiple locations serving patients throughout the Gulf Coast, Southern Eye Group is one of the most trusted names in laser vision correction across the region.
What Is LASIK Eye Surgery?
LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is the most widely performed laser vision correction procedure in the world. It works by using an advanced excimer laser to precisely reshape the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, so that light focuses correctly on the retina. The result is sharper, clearer vision with little to no dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
LASIK is FDA-approved and clinically proven to correct:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism
Studies consistently show that more than 90% of LASIK patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, and patient satisfaction rates reach as high as
Trusted Source
Is LASIK Safe? What You Need to Know
American Refractive Surgery Council
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96%.
Did you know LASIK can help you save money on vision costs?
Learn more with our LASIK Savings Calculator.
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Starting age:
18
Number of years between purchasing new glasses:
0
Average cost of prescription glasses and lenses:
$0
Boxes of contacts purchased in a year:
0
Cost of a box of contact lenses:
$0
Benefits of LASIK Eye Surgery
Patients at Southern Eye Group choose LASIK for a wide range of reasons. The benefits go far beyond simply seeing more clearly:
- Freedom from glasses and contacts. Wake up, work out, swim, and travel without the hassle of corrective eyewear.
- Fast, comfortable procedure. The entire treatment typically takes less than 15 minutes per eye.
- Rapid results. Most patients notice dramatically improved vision within 24 hours.
- Minimal downtime. The vast majority of patients return to work and normal activities the very next day.
- Long-term cost savings. Over time, LASIK can cost significantly less than a lifetime of glasses, contacts, and lens solutions. Use our LASIK Savings Calculator to see your personal return on investment.
- Improved peripheral vision. Unlike glasses, LASIK corrects your full field of view.
- Lasting correction. For most patients, the results of LASIK are permanent.
Meet Our LASIK Surgeons
LASIK at Southern Eye Group is performed by a team of skilled ophthalmologists with extensive experience in vision correction:
Kristin Ates Hicks, M.D., Ph.D.
A comprehensive ophthalmologist with advanced training in refractive surgery, Dr. Hicks performs LASIK procedures tailored to each patient’s unique vision goals.
Kelvin “Paul” McDaniel, D.O.
A board-certified ophthalmologist with over 10,000 surgeries performed, Dr. McDaniel brings extensive LASIK experience and a patient-focused approach to vision correction.
Peter Zloty, M.D.
Fellowship-trained in corneal and refractive surgery, Dr. Zloty has years of experience performing LASIK and is committed to delivering precise outcomes using the latest techniques.
Courtney Ray, M.D.
Board certified and fellowship-trained, Dr. Ray has specialized in laser vision correction for over a decade, offering LASIK and PRK to patients across the Gulf Coast.
Am I a Candidate for LASIK?
LASIK is not right for everyone, and a thorough pre-operative evaluation is essential. Our team will conduct a comprehensive eye exam and corneal mapping to determine whether LASIK is the best option for your vision and eye health.
General candidacy criteria include:
- Age 18 or older, with a stable prescription for at least one to two years
- Adequate corneal thickness
- No significant dry eye disease
- No active eye infections or conditions affecting the cornea
- Prescription within the treatable range for myopia, hyperopia, or
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Are you a LASIK Candidate?
Refractive Surgery Council
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astigmatism
Not sure if you qualify? Take our quick LASIK Candidacy Quiz to get started, or schedule a free consultation with our team.
What If I Am Not a Candidate for LASIK?
If LASIK is not the right fit, our surgeons offer alternative vision correction procedures including PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and other refractive options tailored to your individual needs.
The LASIK Procedure: What to Expect
LASIK is an outpatient procedure performed right in our office. Here is what happens from start to finish:
Step 1: Corneal Flap Creation
Using a precise femtosecond laser, your surgeon creates a thin, protective flap on the surface of your cornea. This step is quick and painless.
Step 2: Laser Vision Correction
The flap is gently lifted, and an excimer laser is used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue based on your unique prescription and corneal mapping data. The laser removes microscopic amounts of tissue with extraordinary precision.
Step 3: Flap Repositioning
The corneal flap is carefully repositioned, where it bonds naturally without stitches or sutures. No patches are required.
The entire procedure takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes per eye. Both eyes are typically treated during the same visit. Numbing eye drops are used throughout, so most patients feel little to no discomfort.
LASIK Recovery: What to Expect After Surgery
One of the most appealing aspects of LASIK is how quickly patients recover. Here is a general timeline:
- Within hours: Most patients notice a significant improvement in vision shortly after the procedure.
- Next day: The majority of patients return to work and daily activities within 24 hours.
- One week: Prescription eye drops are used for approximately one week to support healing and prevent infection.
- One month: Vision continues to stabilize and sharpen over the following weeks.
- Long-term: Results are typically permanent, though natural age-related changes to vision may occur over time.
You will be asked to avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming, and strenuous activity for a short period following surgery. Our team will provide detailed post-operative instructions and schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing.
LASIK Cost and Financing
The cost of LASIK at Southern Eye Group varies based on your prescription, the technology used, and your individual treatment plan. Because no two patients are alike, we do not offer a one-size-fits-all price. We encourage you to schedule a consultation for a personalized quote.
We believe that life-changing vision correction should be accessible to everyone. Flexible financing options are available to help you get started.
Save $500 on LASIK
For a limited time, new LASIK patients can receive $500 off their procedure. Check out our Specials page to learn more!
Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK
Is LASIK safe?
Yes. LASIK is one of the most studied elective surgical procedures in the world. Serious complications are rare, occurring in
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Facts About LASIK Complications
American Academy of Ophthalmology
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less than 1%
of cases. Our surgeons follow rigorous pre-operative screening protocols to ensure only appropriate candidates are treated.
How long does LASIK last?
For most patients, the vision correction achieved with LASIK is permanent. However, natural age-related changes such as presbyopia (difficulty reading up close) may develop over time and are not prevented by LASIK.
Does LASIK hurt?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. Numbing eye drops are applied beforehand. Some patients report mild pressure or a brief sensation during the flap creation step. Mild dryness or light sensitivity may occur in the days following surgery.
What are the potential side effects of LASIK?
Temporary side effects can include dry eyes, halos, glare, and starbursts around lights, particularly at night. These typically resolve within weeks to months as the eyes heal. Our team will discuss all potential risks and side effects in detail during your consultation.
Can LASIK correct astigmatism?
Yes. LASIK is highly effective at correcting astigmatism, along with myopia and hyperopia, in appropriate candidates.
How do I know if I am a good candidate?
The best way to find out is to schedule a comprehensive LASIK evaluation with our team. We will assess your corneal thickness, prescription stability, eye health, and other factors to determine whether LASIK or an alternative procedure is right for you.
Contact Us
Ready to find out if LASIK is right for you? Southern Eye Group serves patients across the Gulf Coast region.
Schedule your free LASIK consultation today and take the first step toward a life without glasses or contacts. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through every step of the process.
1 American Refractive Surgery Council. Is LASIK Safe? What You Need to Know. Available: https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/is-lasik-safe/. Accessed April 15, 2026.
2 Refractive Surgery Council. Are you a LASIK Candidate? 5 guidelines you should know. Available: https://americanrefractivesurgerycouncil.org/general-lasik-candidate-guidelines/. Accessed April 15 2026.
3 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Facts About LASIK Complications. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/facts-about-lasik-complications. Accessed April 15, 2026
The doctors at Southern Eye Group have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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