How LASIK Works?
LASIK is the most advanced laser vision correction procedure available today, and Dr. Koster is one of the best qualified refractive surgeons in Manhattan, having over 15 year of refractive experience, including in France before refractive techniques were even FDA-approved in the U.S.
LASIK stands for “laser in-situ keratomileusis,” which means to treat the cornea with a laser. It is essentially a painless procedure that may eliminate the need for glasses or contacts forever. During LASIK eye surgery, pulses of cool laser from a precisely calibrated laser reshape the surface of the cornea. This allows light to focus more directly on the retina, and permits images to come into better focus.
Myopia
Hyperopia
How well you see without glasses depends on the shape of your cornea—the eye’s clear covering. Generally speaking, in nearsighted people, the cornea is too curved. Conversely, in farsighted people, the cornea is too flat. And, people with astigmatism generally have an oval shaped cornea. Each of these different irregularities in the shape of the cornea adversely affects a patient’s vision, and each of these irregularities can be corrected by LASIK—which is now approved by the FDA for the treatment of these conditions.
In the case of nearsightedness (also known as myopia), LASIK’s laser pulses flatten the cornea slightly, permitting incoming light rights to better focus
In the case of farsightedness (also known as hyperopia), LASIK’s laser pulses gently steepen the cornea
Finally, in the case of astigmatism, LASIK rounds out the cornea.
Who is a Candidate?
The ideal candidate for LASIK has stable refractive error within the correctable range, healthy eyes, is at least 18 years old and is willing to accept the potential risks and side effects of LASIK. You can find out if you are a candidate for LASIK by having a consultation with us and by taking our Self Evaluation Test online. Prior to the procedure, all LASIK patients at NY Laser Group must undergo an extensive pre-operative evaluation in either our Manhattan, Queens or Brooklyn offices to confirm whether LASIK is an appropriate option for them.
The LASIK Procedure
The LASIK procedure consists of two parts. First a thin layer of cornea (called the cornea flap) is created by a delicate instrument called a microkeratome that glides across the cornea. Then, after lifting the flap, the surgeon focuses the laser beam over the eye, and, in usually less than 60 seconds, applies cool ultraviolet laser pulses from an excimer laser. These laser pulses reshape the internal cornea with an accuracy of 1/2500 of a millimeter. After the laser portion of the procedure is completed, the cornea flap is replaced and naturally bonds in place.
The procedure is performed using topical anesthetic eye drops and lasts less than 5 minutes per eye. There is no pain during the procedure, and patients are awake and comfortable during the whole process. Most patients see a dramatic improvement in their vision immediately following the surgery, however, for a small group of patients, vision may be blurry and fluctuate for a week or more. Patients are given protective shields to wear immediately following the procedure and at bedtime, however, the eye does not need to be patched. There is minimal discomfort during the overnight recovery period, and almost all patients are able to return to work within a day or two. And, in a vast majority of LASIK patients, the visual outcome is excellent. Nonetheless LASIK is surgery and every precaution should be taken to ensure a safe and healthy result. Patients should study and explore their options carefully, ask the doctors and staff at NY Laser Group any questions they have, and if they do choose to have LASIK, follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions.
Dr. Koster uses the Planoscan treatment system of the Bausch & Lomb Technoloas 217z excimer laser for most of his traditional laser vision correction procedures. The surgery is performed at Dr. Koster’s Laser Center at the SUNY School of Optometry conveniently located in midtown New York at 33 West 42nd street, opposite Bryant Park. This LASIK location is convenient to all boroughs and outlying suburbs, whether in Brooklyn, Queens or Manhattan.
Financing
Although LASIK is not typically covered by insurance, some insurance plans may cover part of the procedure or offer a discount. NY Laser Group will work with you to determine the status of your insurance company’s policy and to find a financing solution that fits your needs. We offer flexible , low monthly payment financing through Care Credit and other financial institutions.
Zyopyix Custom LASIK
Even if you are not a good candidate for traditional LASIK, Zyoptix Custom LASIK sets a new standard in vision correction and may be the right choice for you. Please click here for more information.
