Find a Top Birmingham LASIK Surgeon

“Making the effort to find a top LASIK surgeon is well worth the time”, commented Birmingham LASIK Surgeon Marc Michelson, M.D. of Michelson Laser Vision. But what makes a top LASIK surgeon? For sure, top LASIK surgeons have the skill, expertise and experience to perform LASIK surgery in a safe, effective and predictable manner. But they also have some other characteristics that set them apart from the rest. 

Top LASIK Surgeons are easy to trust because they are empathic-they hear and appreciate what you say and they connect with you and your personal goals. 

Top LASIK Surgeons take care and time to consider every aspect of your eye health and vision during your evaluation and consultation. 

Top LASIK Surgeons say NO! if you are not a good candidate. 

Top LASIK Surgeons insist that you return for proper follow-up care even if YOU think you are doing just fine. 

Top LASIK Surgeons want to hear your questions-and are happy to answer them in simple understandable language. 

Top LASIK Surgeons fully discuss the risks, benefits, possible complications and side effects in a balanced manner. 

Top LASIK Surgeons can be counted on to effectively manage your eye surgery when things are going perfectly as well and when things a bit off track. 

Choosing a LASIK surgeon is the single most important decision you will make. Do the research. Meet the surgeon. If it works move ahead. If not, schedule another consultation. At Michelson Laser Vision, our patients regularly tell us that Corneal Specialist Marc Michelson M.D. is a “Top LASIK Surgeon”. You can find out for yourself by calling 877-871-3937 and scheduling a Free LASIK Evaluation, or visiting Michelson Laser Vision or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision. 

Michelson Laser Vision is a leading eye care center in Birmingham staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

Birmingham Corneal Specialist on Shingles Eye Infections

Birmingham Corneal Specialist Marc Michelson, M.D. explained about shingles eye infections. “Herpes Zoster or shingles eye infection or what we call a keratitis is actually caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox, called the Varicella-Zoster virus,” said Dr. Michelson. Sometimes after having chicken pox as a child, the Varicella-Zoster virus can remain in the nerve cells of your body in an inactive state and then reactivate later in life and travel through the nerves in your body causing a painful blistering rash. If the Varicella-Zoster virus travels to your head or neck it can affect the eye and cause a corneal infection or keratitis.”

Dr. Michelson emphasized that it is critical to have Herpes Zoster or shingles eye infections diagnosed quickly as the infection can penetrate deeply into the cornea and it can cause scarring and vision loss. “The shingles eye infection can also result in a loss of corneal sensation, which can be permanent and very undesirable. It may be necessary to prescribe both oral medications and eye drops to try and resolve the infection and prevent serious damage from occurring,” he said. 

While it is possible for anyone who has been exposed to the chicken pox Varicella-Zoster virus to get shingles, it seems to mostly affect those of advanced age and those with weakened or suppressed immune systems. Corneal problems from shingles may occur many months after the facial shingles appear to have resolved so it is important to schedule regular follow up appointments for eye examinations as instructed by your doctor. 

If you or someone you know has had Shingles or Chicken Pox and is experiencing any type of eye problem please call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930 and request an immediate appointment with Corneal Specialists Marc Michelson, M.D. or Tyler Hall, M.D. You may also visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision so that we can help identify the possible causes and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. 

Alabama Eye & Cataract Center is a leading eye care center in Birmingham staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

Monovision Cataract Surgery & Near Vision

Birmingham Cataract Surgeon & Cornea Specialist Marc Michelson, M.D of Alabama Eye & Cataract Center commented on monovision cataract surgery, lens implants and near vision correction. “Monovision Cataract Surgery is a technique that is used to help patients improve their near vision and increase their range of clear vision after a cataract operation. The technique of monovision has been used for many years by contact lens wearers as well as patients with presbyopia having Laser Eye Surgery for the Laser Vision Correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism,” said Dr. Michelson. 

The monovision technique is simply adjusting the optical correction in each eye so that the dominant eye is corrected for clear distance vision and the non-dominant eye is corrected for improving near or intermediate range vision. For patients who have been wearing monovision contact lenses successfully or who have had monovision LASIK and are pleased with the vision, taking the step into monovision Cataract Surgery is a natural progression. For others, they must consider the possible benefits as compared to those provided by near vision presbyopia correcting multifocal lens implants as some 30% of monovision patients fail to adapt adequately to the “blended” vision. Researchers reporting in the May 2011 Journal of Refractive Surgery studied the optimal monovision prescription that should be used in order to get the highest levels of patient acceptance and overall visual acuity and depth perception. They concluded that the prescription range of 1.00 D-2.00 D of monovision correction was the maximum range and that the optimal prescription for monovision Cataract Surgery was 1.5 D. While this is useful information, patients should understand that a 1.5 D near correction may very well be insufficient for them to perform their daily tasks comfortably without needing readers or bifocals.

The best way for you or someone you know with a cataract to find out if you are candidates for monovision cataract surgery or near vision presbyopia correcting lens implants after cataract surgery is to schedule a cataract and lens Implant evaluation at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham by calling 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

Birmingham Alabama Cataract Awareness

Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham wants to make patients aware of the symptoms of a cataract, how common cataracts are today and how effective modern cataract surgery and lens implants can be in restoring vision. “Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness worldwide. In the United States alone, more than about 20 million Americans age 40 and older have cataracts and more than half of all Americans will actually develop cataracts by age 80,” commented Birmingham Cataract Surgeon & Corneal Specialist Marc Michelson, M.D.

Many patients do not actually know that a cataract is a clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye preventing light rays from passing through it easily. This results in a clouding and blurring of vision. Patients should understand that cataracts are not a growth or a film over the eye. For many patients cataracts start out slowly and have little effect on vision at first. But, as the cataract becomes denser, so does the impact on vision. The most common symptoms that bother patients with cataracts can include blurring of vision, sensitivity to light and glare, double vision in one eye, poor night vision, fading or yellowing of colors and frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions.

“When cataracts do begin to interfere with daily activities or with patient comfort and safety, they can be treated surgically. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most frequently performed surgeries in the United States. Today, we have a full range of Intraocular Lens Implants (IOL) available that allow us to correct near vision as well as distance vision without requiring bifocals or reading glasses for the vast majority of patients”, said Dr. Michelson. 

If you or someone you know is bothered by the symptoms of cataracts or has questions or concerns about having a cataract, cataract surgery or lens implants please call Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision to schedule an appointment. 

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

Eye Health, Contacts & LASIK for Swimming

“Understanding how swimming can affect your eyes, eye health and vision is worth learning a little about as summer typically means lots of water activities for all of us”, said Birmingham, Corneal Specialist Tyler Hall, M.D. of Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham. 

In general, unless you are wearing goggles it is best not to swim with your eyes open under water and, when possible, to avoid splashes of water into your eyes. This is because the various types of pool chemicals that are used for keeping the water clean and free of contamination may actually be irritating at a minimum and in some instances damaging to the surface of the eye. Maintaining the proper pH levels in swimming pools takes considerable monitoring and effort and as the pH varies so does the possibility of eye irritation. Your natural tears have a pH of 7.0, if the pH of the pool water is below or above that level that level, it will certainly cause your eyes to burn or sting. The proper pH level for swimming pools is in the range of 7.2 to 7.8. If the pH is maintained within this range, burning eyes shouldn't be a problem for swimmers. 

For sure, if you plan on spending any lengthy period of time in the water you should protect your eyes by wearing goggles. Swimming with contact lenses is very risky. The eye health risk of swimming with contacts depends on the body of water you are in. When swimming on lakes and in rivers there is a considerable risk of the microorganism Acanthamoeba to adhering to your contacts. Acanthamoeba Keratitis is a severe and potentially blinding infection and inflammation of the Cornea. This same risk is present when wearing contacts in hot tubs or spas. While the risk of sight threatening infection is lesser in properly chlorinated swimming pools and the ocean other problems may be encountered. In the pool--eye irritation is possible when chlorine sticks on the surface of your lens and in the ocean--your contact lenses can be dislodged when you encounter large waves. You need to carefully consider whether to wear contact lenses while swimming. Keeping your head out of the water and wearing goggles will help to greatly reduce risk. If you worry about not being able to see clearly without glasses or contacts and want to see clearly while in the pool or ocean, you may wish to consider LASIK as a vision correction method so as not to be dependent on eyeglasses or contacts for swimming. 

If you or someone you know has questions about swimming, swimming pools, eye health, vision and contact lenses or would like to schedule a Free LASIK Consultation please feel free to call Michelson Laser Vision in Birmingham at 877-871-3937, visit Michelson Laser Vision or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision. 

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

LASIK & Dry Eyes-What to Know

Birmingham LASIK Surgeon & Corneal Specialist Marc Michelson, M.D. explained what you need to know about LASIK and dry eyes. “By far the most common side effect of LASIK is dry eyes. In fact, it is pretty much expected and pretty normal for all LASIK patients to have temporary dry eye symptoms after their treatment. The critical thing to know is that the dry eye symptoms should be temporary,” noted Dr. Michelson. 

Here is what you should know about LASIK and dry eyes. LASIK is corneal surgery. ANY time we do corneal surgery we typically sever some corneal nerves and we often temporarily disturb the delicate cells on the surface of the eye. By the way, during cataract surgery and any other eye surgery procedures that involve the cornea we do the exact same things. These corneal nerves connect to the Lacrimal Gland which is responsible for producing tears. When the nerves are temporarily interrupted there is a decrease in the amount of tears that are produced-making your eyes feel dry and gritty. To make you more comfortable during the time it takes for the corneal nerves to heal and regenerate we may do one of more of the following for you: 

Prescribe Artificial Tear Eye Drops 

Insert Tiny Tear Duct Plugs 

Prescribe Restasis® Eye Drops 

Prescribe Dietary Supplements with Omega-3 Oils 

Each of the above acts to either retain the tears that you have, supplement the tears that are lacking or help you produce more of your own tears so that you will be most comfortable and heal properly. Each person will regenerate the fine corneal nerves at a DIFFERENT RATE and thus will need to use one or more of the above tear helpers for different amounts of time. A very important consideration is how healthy your tear film was BEFORE your surgery. A critical part of your LASIK consultation will be a careful examination of your tear film. Sometimes, in order to make you the most comfortable and make the healing and visual recovery process as quick and easy as possible for you, we may actually prescribe one or more of the above BEFORE your surgery. 

If you or someone you know has questions about LASIK and Dry Eyes or would like to schedule a Free LASIK Evaluation please call and schedule an appointment at Michelson Laser Vision in Birmingham by calling 877-871-3937, visiting Michelson Laser Vision or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision 

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

Birmingham Surgeon on Cataract & Ovarian Cancer Risk

Interesting research was reviewed by Birmingham Cataract Surgeon Marc Michelson, M.D. regarding cataracts and ovarian cancer risk. “Current research on women with cataracts suggests that they may be at less risk for developing ovarian cancer,” said Dr. Michelson. “Our daily routines in Birmingham and really throughout Alabama and the south expose us to a fair amount of ultraviolet (UV) light each day. A major health benefit of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the production of Vitamin D, which is helpful in protection against several human cancers, including ovarian carcinoma. Now, on the other hand we know that being exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light from is a well recognized risk factor for cataract formation”. 

Researchers reporting in the November 2011 publication Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention studied 709 women with primary invasive ovarian carcinoma and 1101 controls to examine the association of Ovarian Carcinoma risk with a history of Cataract. Some interesting findings were that older age, a history of Type 2 Diabetes and skin cancer were significant risk factors for developing a Cataract. Further, a history of cataract was reported by 14% of cases and 17% of controls and was significantly associated with a reduced Ovarian Carcinoma risk. These findings add indirect evidence to the hypothesis that lifetime Vitamin D exposure may be inversely associated with risk of Ovarian Carcinoma. Additional studies are needed to further investigate the potential behavioral and biological factors that might influence association of cataract with ovarian cancer. 

If you or someone you know has questions about cataracts, cataract surgery or the risk of ovarian cancer they are encouraged to schedule an eye examination at Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham by calling 205-930-0930, visiting Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision. 

Michelson Laser Vision and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center are leading eye care centers in Birmingham staffed by a team of specialists including eye doctors who are fellowship trained cornea specialists and cataract and lens implant specialists-all board certified Ophthalmologists-as well as Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK for laser vision correction, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.