Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare offers several vision correction options for adults in Buffalo and Western New York, with evaluations available through its Amherst and Niagara Falls offices. Depending on prescription, corneal measurements, age, eye health, tear-film findings, lifestyle, and visual goals, options may include LASIK, ZEISS SMILE, PRK/ASA, EVO ICL, or refractive lens exchange. No single procedure is appropriate for every patient, so the purpose of an evaluation is to compare suitable options and explain expected benefits, alternatives, recovery, limitations, and risks.
Compare Vision Correction Options
| Option | How it works | Who may be considered | Important considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| LASIK | A laser reshapes the cornea beneath a thin flap. | Some adults with stable prescriptions and suitable corneal measurements. | A flap is created, and not every cornea, prescription, or eye-health profile is suitable. |
| ZEISS SMILE | A small incision is used to remove a thin piece of corneal tissue. | Some patients with qualifying nearsightedness or astigmatism. | Eligibility depends on prescription range, device labeling, anatomy, and examination findings. |
| PRK or ASA | The corneal surface is treated without creating a LASIK flap. | Some patients whose corneal or lifestyle factors make surface treatment preferable. | Early recovery is generally slower while the corneal surface heals. |
| EVO ICL | A prescription lens is placed inside the eye without removing the natural lens. | Some patients with qualifying prescriptions who are not ideal corneal-laser candidates. | This is an intraocular procedure and requires suitable anatomy and long-term follow-up. |
| Refractive Lens Exchange | The natural lens is replaced with an intraocular lens. | Some adults with presbyopia, lens changes, or other age-related considerations. | This is intraocular surgery and permanently removes the natural lens. |
What the Evaluation Reviews
A vision correction evaluation may review prescription stability, corneal shape and thickness, tear-film and dry-eye findings, pupil size, eye pressure, retinal and lens health, medications, pregnancy or nursing status, prior eye surgery, work and sports needs, night-driving priorities, and expectations for glasses. Additional testing may be recommended before a physician determines whether a procedure is appropriate.
Why Another Option May Be Recommended
A patient who is not an ideal LASIK candidate may still have other choices. PRK may be discussed when a surface treatment is preferable. ZEISS SMILE may be considered for some qualifying prescriptions. EVO ICL may be an option for some patients whose prescriptions or corneal measurements are not well suited to laser reshaping. Refractive lens exchange may be discussed when age-related lens changes or presbyopia are important factors. Glasses and contact lenses remain appropriate choices for many people.
Physicians and Patient Resources
Vision correction care is connected to Michael J. Endl, M.D. and Thomas R. Elmer, Jr., M.D., whose biographies describe their refractive procedure experience. Patients can also review LASIK information, compare LASIK, SMILE, and PRK, explore cost and financing information, or read current patient reviews.
Call 1-800-309-2020 or request an appointment to schedule an evaluation. A consultation is required before any procedure recommendation is made.
