Refractive surgery has several definitions but, primarily, is surgery that corrects visual acuity, with the objective of reducing or eliminating the need for glasses and contacts. Dr. Avery D. Alexander specializes in and is committed to providing the newest proven technology and procedures in refractive surgery.

The most popular reference to refractive surgery is "laser surgery", which is actually LASIK surgery - laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis; a surgical procedure in which a tiny flap is cut in the top of the cornea, underlying corneal tissue is removed with an excimer laser, and the flap is put back in place; used to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.

At Alexander Eye Institute, we provide a bladeless all-laser LASIK procedure called UltraSight. This is unique in that we are the only refractive practice in Wisconsin currently combining the IntraLase Laser (to create the flap) with the Allegretto Laser which is an outstanding, safe, accurate and effective laser for LASIK surgery.

Refractive surgery, again, is a procedure that decreases refractive error and is most-often thought of as laser surgery. It also is a surgery that replaces the non-functioning lens in the eye (which may have cataracts or cause the individual to rely on reading glasses, bifocals or tri-focals) with a multi-focal lens that allows you to see at all focal lengths. At Alexander Eye Institute this is PermaClear.

Dr. Alexander also performs a number of other surgeries including other intraocular lens (IOL) implants and he is certified in the use of the Verisyse and Staar lenses as well as other lenses.

Lens implant surgery has become so advanced in recent years that its benefits have been extended to healthy eyes. Phakic lenses (implanting an IOL without removing the eye's natural lens) are an option are now available to young patients who may not be candidates for other refractive surgery options.