UF Health Ophthalmologist Answers FAQs About Laser Eye Surgery
If you suffer from vision impairment, you may have begun to consider treatment options. LASIK and photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, are two of the most…

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Are you looking for clearer vision? Thankfully, you don’t have to look far to find expert, caring and compassionate care at the UF Health Eye Center — The Oaks.
At the UF Health Eye Center — The Oaks, our experienced surgeons use the most advanced technology to ensure that you receive the highest quality of care available in North Central Florida. iLASIK, or all-laser LASIK, is the only refractive surgery approved by NASA for its astronauts, and it’s offered right here at the UF Health Eye Center — The Oaks.
If you’re struggling with nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, we can provide a clear path to normal or near-normal vision. iLASIK and similar laser vision correction procedures are used to correct those common refractive errors and eliminate or at least reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses. UF Health performs these procedures using a wealth of experience. Our physician, Dr. W. Allan Steigleman has performed over 12,000 refractive surgeries throughout his career. He joined UF Health after a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy during which he performed refractive surgery on some of the most elite military operatives, including SEALs and aviators.
iLASIK: Prior to your procedure, the surgeon will complete a high-definition scan of your eyes to make the most accurate corrections. iLASIK is a bladeless procedure where the surgeon uses a laser to create a flap to access the sub-layer of the cornea. The surgeon then uses a different laser to modify the shape of the cornea, correcting the refractive error(s). This technique allows patients to enjoy a relatively quick visual recovery and healing.
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK): Besides iLASIK, the most common procedure at our laser center is photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Similar to iLASIK, a surgeon uses a laser to modify the shape of the cornea. However, PRK is a flapless procedure where laser treatment is applied directly to the surface layers of the cornea. Recovery is slower than iLASIK and averages 3-5 days.
Implantable collamer lens (ICL): A common non-laser solution for patients with high nearsightedness is an implantable collamer lens (ICL). The surgeon implants the ICL behind the iris. Visual recovery and healing are usually slightly slower than iLASIK but faster than PRK. This procedure allows some patients who are not candidates for iLASIK or PRK to have refractive surgical correction.
Refractive lens exchange (RLE): Another solution is a refractive lens exchange (RLE). During this procedure, the surgeon uses a different type of laser technology to help remove the natural crystalline lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). RLE achieves outcomes similar to routine cataract surgery. This procedure is quite versatile in that different lenses can be used to correct different types of visual abnormalities.
UF Health is pleased to offer a 20% discount on LASIK surgeries to first responders. Please complete our online consultation form for more information.
“As an ophthalmologist myself, my eyes mean everything to me. That’s why I was very careful to select a refractive surgeon who I know is skilled, meticulous, honest, detail-oriented and compassionate. Dr. Steigleman has performed thousands of refractive surgeries, and I trusted him with my eyes. My PRK surgery went flawless, and the outcome was amazing. Being on the other side of the operating microscope can be anxiety-provoking, but the entire experience was wonderful. I always tell patients that the providers at the UF eye clinic are world-class, and I hope that when patients realize that I chose to have my surgery at UF Health, it echoes that sentiment.”
"I cannot say enough positive things about my experience getting LASIK at UF Health by Dr. Steigleman and his staff. This is the first eye procedure of any kind I had. They were very kind, helping me through each step, explaining everything along the way. I am a working professional and was a near-daily contact user. It is incredible not having to worry about glasses or contacts every day. I feel that my vision now after LASIK is better and sharper than when I wore contacts or glasses. The recovery was quick and easy. I only needed one day off work at the most. I have already recommended LASIK at UF Health to many of my colleagues.”
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If you suffer from vision impairment, you may have begun to consider treatment options. LASIK and photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, are two of the most…