What is LASIK

LASIK, which stands for Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis, is the most common type of eye surgery that corrects vision by reshaping the cornea, the clear covering on the front of the eye. LASIK is commonly used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. The procedure is noninvasive, performed in-office and typically takes about 10-15 minutes. Recovery time is minimal, most patients can return to work the next day.

Advantages of LASIK over PRK.

Less postoperative discomfort
Quicker visual recovery
Ability to have both eyes corrected within days
Briefer necessity for drops (one week
Ability to correct higher levels of nearsightedness

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LASIK Technology

Bladeless LASIK

New York Ophthalmology is 100% Bladeless LASIK. The Intralase is a high precision femtosecond computer controlled laser used to create a corneal flap without the use of any blade. This allows the surgeon to offer his patients an alternative to making a more precise corneal incision with accuracy and depth. This may be of advantage to a patient with higher prescriptions or thinner corneas in order to preserve more cornea. It also may help reduce blade related surgical complications including buttonholes in flaps and interrupted flaps.

Custom Wavefront LASIK

The Wavefront Customvue procedure tailors a unique correction for each individual patient. The Customvue captures a “digitized” image of the patient’s eye including the corneal contour. These measurements are made at a computer station known as the Wavescan. These digital images are transferred to the laser where a customized treatment is performed. A six-month evaluation has shown that Customvue improves the sharpness and decreases possible side effects.

The LASIK Procedure – from a Patient’s Perspective

Upon arriving at the office, patients receive a small dose of a relaxant pill. An hour or so is spent measuring the eyes before the procedure. Upon entering the laser suite, the patient reclines in the laser chair. Anesthetics and antibiotic drops are instilled. There is no intravenous or need for general anesthesia (need to be put to sleep).

Under the laser, the patient is asked to concentrate on a red blinking light. A retainer is then placed to assist in keeping the eye open. During the actual procedure, the patient feels pressure and the red light is lost for less than a minute.

The patient is asked to stare at the blinking red light again once it returns. As the laser fires, a ticking sound is heard that lasts 10-90 seconds.

After the laser is completed, the retainer is removed, and the patient is asked to sit up. Upon sitting, there is some improvement in vision noted.

The patient is asked to return home and get plenty of rest for several hours following the procedure. The following morning there is a substantial improvement in vision. However, the vision continues to incrementally improve for weeks.

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Right After the Procedure

As you rise from the treatment chair, you’ll likely notice a distinct enhancement in your vision as they look around the room. Some of our patients are moved to tears by the sight of their loved ones’ faces.
In our recovery room we will go over some instructions and equip you with protective sunglasses . While we advise keeping your eyes shut during the journey home, we understand the temptation to sneak a glance. Should you do so, you’ll probably be astonished to find that you can discern the lettering on road signs. Expect your vision to progressively sharpen in the days and weeks ahead.

What are the Results and Sucess Rates of the LASIK Procedures?

The great majority of patients in our practice are glasses-free after LASIK and obtain 20/20 vision. Your individual likelihood of achieving 20/20 will be discussed with you during your free consultation. In general, the lower the correction level, the higher the change of achieving 20/20 with a single treatment. Overall, less than 5% of patients require a second treatment to achieve 20/20. It is our practice’s mission to help our patients be very happy with their outcome and minimizing risk.

LASIK Post-Operative Care

Immediately after LASIK surgery, your vision will still be a little blurry but already improved. The morning after LASIK, you will see a significant improvement in your vision. A postoperative checkup is generally scheduled 1-day post-surgery, where you are advised not to wear makeup and avoid getting any foreign objects in your eyes. Drops are used several times daily for 1-3 weeks following the procedure. You will have several exams to assess the healing and progress over the next several months.

Helping People Is What We Do

Our team of board-certified ophthalmologists and eye care specialists provides a range of eye health and vision care services for patients at our modern, comfortable offices in the Bronx and Queens. Our entire staff is dedicated to making your visit positive and enjoyable.

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