iLASIK Eye Surgery

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 state-of-the-art technology to provide exceptional vision care. We offer iLASIK, a fully personalized, all-laser procedure that represents a more advanced approach to traditional LASIK. Approved by NASA for its astronauts, iLASIK combines precision and safety to deliver outstanding vision correction — all available right here at the UF Health Eye Center — The Oaks.

Vision for the future

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.

Available treatment options

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.

Patient testimonials

• “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. 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 iLASIK 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 iLASIK 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 iLASIK at UF Health to many of my colleagues.”
• “I came here just because of Dr. Steigleman and his reputation from many months of research. His care, empathy, and skilled surgical procedures were amazing.”
• “Dr. Steigleman will be the only person who ever touches my eyes in the future.”
• “Fantastic experience, 100% recommend iLASIK from UF Health. I saw a couple of other ophthalmologists before deciding on choosing Dr. Steigleman. He was so patient and answered all of my questions and eased all of my concerns.”
• “Everyone at this office is excellent. Dr. Steigleman is caring, informative and overall has an excellent bedside manner. I highly recommend him and his staff. 5 stars to this provider.”
• “This was the best physician visit I’ve ever had. Dr. Steigleman was especially knowledgeable, patient, and had my best interest in mind. I was not rushed. Solutions emerged that weren’t apparent to me prior to the visit. My mom was impressed and decided to do her surgery here. Will think of UF Health for my future health care needs.”

Contact us to schedule a iLASIK consultation

If you are interested in iLASIK eye surgery at UF Health, it is important to consider whether you may be a suitable candidate. Ideal candidates are between the ages of 18 and 50, have maintained a stable prescription for at least one year, and can refrain from wearing contact lenses for at least two weeks prior to the procedure. Please note that iLASIK is not covered by insurance.

If you meet these criteria, complete the form below, and a member of our team will contact you to schedule a consultation.