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Our expert refractive teams specialize in treating nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Refractive surgery reshapes the cornea so light focuses correctly on the retina, reducing dependency on glasses and contacts and improving your vision. Today, LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis), PRK (Photorefractive Keratotomy) and EVO Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer™ Lens) can correct most degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK and other vision correction procedures offer long-lasting, life-changing results.
Refractive surgery can correct most degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Here are three common refractive errors that LASIK can correct:
To determine if vision correction surgery is the best option for you, multiple factors are taken into consideration. In addition to our customized testing results, we factor in your specific lifestyle needs along with your expectations. We don’t just look at what the testing parameters tell us.
During your consultation, advanced testing is performed using innovative 3D mapping technology. Paired with the expertise of our board-certified surgeons, the information gathered from these tests with your lifestyle and expectations in mind, together we will determine which vision correction treatment is the best option for you.
If we agree that LASIK may not be the best option for you or you aren’t deemed a candidate, we offer other vision correction options. Whether it’s PRK, Visian ICL™ or Refractive Lens Exchange, our surgeons will work with you to find the right solution.
Patients who experience the following refractive errors could be candidates for refractive surgery:
Management and monitoring of myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism should occur during a comprehensive exam with your regular eye doctor. Your eye doctor knows your eyes best, so don’t be afraid to ask them if refractive surgery is an option to correct your vision. We work closely with many optometrists, so chances are you can conveniently see them for all your post-op appointments.
If you need glasses or contacts to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, are 18 years of age or older, have had little to no changes in your eyesight in the last two years and have good overall eye health, you may be a good candidate for LASIK. Schedule a LASIK Consultation.
Refractive surgery is used to reshape the cornea and improve your vision. From LASIK surgery to PRK to Refractive Lens Exchange, there are several refractive surgery techniques designed to help those experiencing vision challenges to potentially see better.
How LASIK Works
Step 1: We Create Your Eye Map by taking custom measurements using WaveFront guided diagnostics. The iDESIGN® scan produces a 3D image, or “blueprint” of your eye, detailing the entire visual pathway and how it processes light. The iDESIGN® measures and captures imperfections not detected in conventional technology, greatly reducing the chance of glare or halos.
Step 2: To prepare your eye, we use the iFS Advanced Bladeless Laser to create a micro-thin LASIK flap in seconds. The iFS results in a strong, secure LASIK flap personalized for every patient to an exact diameter, depth, hinge location and shape. Step 3 We deliver your personalized Treatment. A second, ultra-precise, cool-beam laser is used to apply the Advanced CustomVue Treatment, guided by the digital information from your iDESIGN® WaveScan, to reshape the cornea to the desired curvature. The Star S4 IR Laser has Activetrak Technology and iris registration to ensure accurate placement of your Advanced CustomVue treatment. After your custom treatment, your surgeon will reposition the LASIK flap, and your LASIK procedure is complete. Most people sit up and immediately notice dramatically better vision.
What to expect on the day of LASIK Surgery
Please arrange for transportation on the day of your LASIK surgery. Although the surgery itself only takes a brief amount of time, you will be at the surgery center for approximately 2 hours to allow time for preparation and recovery.
Before your LASIK surgery, a mild oral sedative is given. Anesthetic eye drops are administered and the area surrounding your eyes will be cleaned with antiseptic solution. You will be fully conscious, yet relaxed, throughout the procedure. Surgery takes approximately 15 minutes. Afterwards, your doctor will examine your eyes and explain post-op instructions.
After the procedure is complete, your eyes will be covered with protective goggles for 6 hours, and you will be asked to keep your eyes closed as much as possible during this time. These goggles allow you to see while protecting against foreign objects entering your eyes. Your eyes may feel scratchy or tear up for a few hours after surgery.
Most patients can return to normal activities the day after LASIK, including driving, but vision will continue to improve for months after surgery. For the first week after LASIK surgery, you’ll wear the goggles at night to make sure you don’t accidentally rub your eyes while you sleep. You’ll take prescription antibiotic and steroid eye drops for one week and non preserved artificial tears for one month after surgery.
Post-operative exams will be scheduled at a convenient office location or with your regular eye doctor. We recommend an initial, one week, one month, three month, and one year follow-up visit.
The majority of patients can resume their normal work or other activities within a day or two – however, be very careful not to rub your eyes at all and take breaks when using a computer. No eye makeup is permitted for 2 weeks after LASIK surgery. No swimming is permitted for 2 weeks after LASIK surgery, and then swimming goggles must be worn for 2 more weeks before resuming normal swimming routines.
While LASIK is a terrific option for most patients, it is not recommended for everyone. An alternative, equally efficacious procedure is PRK, Photorefractive Keratectomy. PRK is another laser refractive surgery option used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism in patients whose corneas are thin, slightly irregular or in patients who have specific occupations. The technology has been around longer than LASIK and takes approximately 10 minutes. PRK relies on laser light technology to reshape and remove part of the cornea, which grows back on its own post-surgery. Results are similar to LASIK, but recovery is a bit slower.
We sometimes recommend Refractive Lens Exchange, or lens replacement surgery, instead of LASIK or PRK for patients with presbyopia and high hyperopia (farsightedness). The procedure involves dissolving the natural lens of the eye and replacing it with a lens implant of the correct power that decreases or eliminates the need for glasses or corrective lenses. It corrects very high degrees of nearsightedness and moderate and high degrees of farsightedness. It can also eliminate reading glasses when used with premium multifocal or accommodating lenses.
Corneal Associates of New Jersey
Kremer Eye Center
Ludwick Eye Center
