Imagine working out without worrying about your glasses slipping. Picture waking up and seeing your alarm clock clearly without reaching for glasses. Or heading through a long day without the irritation of dry contact lenses. Life doesn’t slow down for glasses or contact lenses, and for many people, laser vision correction offers a more convenient way to see clearly every day.
At Willis Knighton Eye Institute, laser vision correction is never treated as a one-size-fits-all solution. Procedures such as LASIK, SMILE®, PRK, and EVO Visian ICL are designed to help patients reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts while fitting their unique eyes and lifestyle. With personalized care at every step, our experienced surgeons focus on finding the option that best supports each patient’s long-term vision goals.
A Personalized Approach to Vision Correction
Laser eye surgery is highly individualized. Dr. Christopher L. Shelby, Dr. Wyche T. Coleman, III, and Dr. Kelli Coleman perform multiple vision correction procedures, which allows them to recommend the approach that best fits each patient’s eye health, daily activities, and visual needs.
Willis Knighton Eye Institute is the only medical facility in Louisiana currently offering SMILE® laser vision correction, providing patients in the Ark-La-Tex access to some of the most advanced refractive technology available today.
Understanding Laser Vision Correction
Laser vision correction, also called refractive surgery, works by reshaping the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) so that light focuses properly on the retina. When light is focused correctly, vision becomes clearer without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Different procedures reshape the cornea in different ways. Factors such as corneal thickness, prescription strength, eye health, and lifestyle all play an important role in determining which option may be appropriate. That’s why evaluations at Willis Knighton Eye Institute are thorough, educational, and tailored to the individual rather than rushed or generalized.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis)
A well-known option with rapid visual recovery
LASIK is one of the most widely known and frequently performed laser procedures available today. During LASIK, a precise laser creates a tiny flap in the cornea’s outer layer. Another laser is then used to gently reshape the underlying tissue to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Many patients experience minimal discomfort and notice improved vision within a day or two. Because the corneal flap acts like a natural bandage, recovery is often quick, allowing most patients to return to normal activities soon after the procedure.
SMILE® (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
A minimally invasive, flap-free procedure
SMILE® is a newer laser vision correction option and one of the most advanced techniques available today (and one that’s exclusively offered in the Ark-La-Tex area by Willis Knighton Eye Institute). Unlike LASIK, SMILE® does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, a single laser creates a small piece of tissue within the cornea that is removed through a tiny incision.
This minimally invasive approach can be a great choice for patients who:
- Are concerned about dry eye symptoms
- Have active lifestyles or physically demanding jobs
- Want a flap-free laser procedure designed for nearsightedness (and often astigmatism)
Because the procedure uses a small incision and does not involve creating a corneal flap, there is less disruption to the surface of the eye, which often supports a smooth recovery and a relatively quick return to normal activities.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)
A surface-based alternative for certain eye conditions
PRK is a trusted option for patients who may not be good candidates for LASIK, such as those with thinner corneas. Instead of creating a flap, PRK works directly on the surface of the cornea. The outer layer is gently removed, and a laser reshapes the tissue beneath.
While PRK usually involves a longer healing period than LASIK, it can be an excellent solution for patients who want the benefits of laser vision correction but need a non-flap approach. As with all our procedures, candidacy is determined through a comprehensive evaluation by one of our surgeons.
Additional Vision Correction Options
In some cases, a patient’s vision goals or eye structure may extend beyond traditional laser procedures.
For higher prescriptions, thin corneas, or other anatomical considerations, alternative treatments may be discussed during your consultation.
One such option is the EVO Visian Implantable Collamer® Lens (ICL) Rather than reshaping the cornea, ICL involves placing a thin, biocompatible lens inside the eye behind the iris. It can be a strong solution for moderate to severe nearsightedness and is removable, making it appealing for patients who may not be ideal laser candidates.
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is another alternative, replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial one to correct vision, often considered for significant farsightedness or early age-related lens changes.
Am I a Candidate for Laser Eye Surgery?
Before recommending any procedure, Willis Knighton Eye Institute conducts a detailed evaluation that includes corneal mapping, vision testing, and a discussion of your lifestyle and visual goals. This ensures that the recommended procedure aligns with your needs.
Candidacy depends on several factors, including:
- Your prescription and vision stability
- Corneal thickness and eye health
- Lifestyle and daily visual demands
Patients often have questions about cost, recovery, and what to expect on the day of surgery. These conversations are an important part of the process and help patients feel confident and informed before making a decision. For those beginning their research, our LASIK Self-Test can be a helpful first step.
Ready to explore your options?
Expert Eye Care in Shreveport
Willis Knighton Eye Institute provides eye care backed by advanced technology and a team that prioritizes both precision and trust. In addition to laser vision correction, we provide comprehensive ophthalmic care, from routine eye exams to the management of complex eye conditions.
By combining leading-edge technology with personalized care, Willis Knighton Eye Institute brings advanced vision correction options to the Ark-La-Tex area to ensure that each patient receives the procedure that makes the most sense for them, not just the most common one.
