Formerly Maida Custom Vision | Serving Northeast Florida since 1995
Formerly Maida Custom Vision | Serving Northeast Florida since 1995
Refractive surgery is any procedure that permanently corrects a refractive error — the root cause of nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. These errors develop when the shape of your eye prevents light from landing precisely on your retina, creating a lifetime of dependence on glasses or contacts. Refractive surgery permanently fixes this by correcting how light bends and focuses in your eye, eliminating the problem rather than compensating for it. The procedures below represent every path we offer to get you there.
Here are all the procedures we offer, what each does, and who it’s built for.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is one of the best-studied types of refractive eye surgery and the world’s most performed vision correction procedure. At Florida Eye Custom Vision, our Zeiss VisuMax femtosecond laser creates a thin, precise corneal flap. In contrast, our WaveLight EX500 excimer laser reshapes the underlying tissue so light focuses correctly on your retina. Most patients see clearly by the next morning and resume normal activities within 24–48 hours. LASIK is excellent for patients with healthy corneas and mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. For patients who don’t fit this profile, the procedures below are designed with you in mind.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is the newest and most minimally invasive laser refractive surgery. Rather than creating a flap, SMILE uses a single femtosecond laser to shape a small disc of corneal tissue just beneath the surface, which our surgeon then gently removes through a tiny incision. Because the corneal surface stays closed throughout, more nerve tissue is preserved — significantly reducing post-operative dry eye. It effectively corrects nearsightedness with or without astigmatism, making it ideal for patients with dry eyes, active lifestyles, or those who prefer a flapless approach.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is the original laser refractive surgery, refined over decades into one of medicine’s safest elective procedures. PRK removes the cornea’s thin outer surface layer to access the tissue beneath, which an excimer laser then reshapes directly — no flap created, so the cornea retains its full natural thickness. Recovery takes longer than LASIK, with functional vision returning within 3–5 days, but long-term outcomes are clinically identical. PRK is preferred for patients with thin or irregular corneas, dry eye, or high-impact careers where flap displacement is a concern. For a detailed comparison, see our LASIK vs. PRK guide.
EVO ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) places a soft biocompatible lens inside your eye — between the iris and your natural lens — with no need for corneal tissue removal or permanent alterations, making it completely reversible. It corrects stronger prescriptions that fall outside laser surgery’s safe range, preserves your eye’s natural tear film, and includes built-in UV protection. With over 99% of patients achieving 20/40 vision or better and approximately 90% reaching 20/20, EVO ICL is an outstanding option if you have high prescriptions, thin corneas, or chronic dry eye. For a cost comparison, see our EVO ICL vs. LASIK breakdown.
Refractive Lens Exchange — also called Custom Lens Replacement (CLR) — replaces your eye’s natural lens with a premium IOL, correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia in a single procedure. Because the lens is replaced rather than reshaped, it permanently addresses presbyopia at its source — and eliminates the risk of cataracts in that eye. Learn more about Custom Lens Replacement and what it could mean for your vision.
Laser cataract surgery with premium intraocular lenses is designed for patients whose natural lens has become clouded enough to affect their vision — something glasses or contacts can’t fix. The clouded lens is gently removed and replaced with a premium IOL tailored to your prescription, restoring clarity while correcting your underlying refractive error at the same time. For patients who aren’t candidates for corneal-based procedures like LASIK or PRK, it delivers meaningful vision correction alongside necessary cataract treatment.
Unsure which procedure fits your situation? Schedule a consultation, and our surgeons will map the right path for your eyes.
Our fellowship-trained team answers these questions every day — here’s what patients want to know before taking the next step.
Laser procedures reshape the cornea to focus light correctly on your retina. Lens-based procedures work inside the eye instead: a corrective lens is added, or your natural lens is replaced, while the cornea stays untouched. Both can provide clear, long-lasting vision; your consultation determines the right approach.
Your evaluation takes 1–2 hours and includes painless corneal mapping and a full prescription history review — our surgeons will walk you through exactly which procedure is right for you, with no pressure and no guesswork.
Florida Eye Custom Vision offers flexible financing options through CareCredit — including no-interest and extended payment plans — as well as HSA/FSA compatibility.
“Every patient who walks through our doors deserves to understand every refractive surgery option available to them, not just the one they came in asking about.” — Dr. S. Akbar Hasan, Fellowship-Trained Refractive Surgeon
With over 30,000 Jacksonville patients helped and more than 30 years of experience, our fellowship-trained surgeons know how to match you to the procedure your eyes actually need. Call (904) 268-3937 or schedule your consultation online — your clearest vision starts with one conversation.
