LASIK
LASIK Eye Surgery in Fishkill
The doctors and staff at Hudson Valley Eye Surgeons are excited to offer you quality and affordable eye care solutions for laser vision correction. Many patients come to us with questions regarding laser vision correction. With our offices in Fishkill, NY, we proudly serve patients in the surrounding New York areas like Poughkeepsie, Newburgh and Danbury, CT.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of our most frequently asked questions to help you determine if laser vision correction is right for you.
What is LASIK?
LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis, is a type of refractive surgery used to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism and is used as an alternative to contact lenses and glasses. The procedure involves creating a thin flap on the surface of the eye and folding it back to allow for the remodeling of the corneal tissue by the laser. The flap is then repositioned and the eye heals after the surgery is completed.
LASIK has significantly advanced over the past ten years. Today, safety, accuracy, and precision of the procedure have been greatly enhanced due to the use of 3-D Eye Tracking, IRIS Registration, and the Pentacam HR system.
Is there pain associated with LASIK?
Pain, if any, is minimal with LASIK. Numbing eye drops are applied to the eye prior to the procedure. Some mild pressure is felt on the eye while creating the corneal flap, however, the actual cutting of the flap as well as the laser treatment is pain-free. Some patients may experience mild to moderate irritation for a few hours after the procedure.
Will I be able to See clearly immediately after LASIK?
While you may be able to see with sharper focus immediately after LASIK, eye drops used during and after your surgery are necessary to heal the cornea. While a dramatic change in vision is experienced as soon as the following day, the eye continues to heal over the coming weeks and the vision continues to become even crisper during this time.
Will I have 20/20 vision after LASIK?
Because everyone’s eyes are different and may heal differently, not all patients will experience 20/20 vision after LASIK surgery.
What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?
The specialists at Hudson Valley Eye Surgeons are experts in LASIK and PRK. Both procedures are performed using a cool ultraviolet light beam that corrects the imperfections on your cornea.
LASIK is performed by first creating a thin, circular flap in the cornea. The flap is folded back and the surgeon applies the laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. Once your surgery is done, the flap is then laid back in place, covering the area where the corneal tissue was removed.
During the PRK procedure, no cutting is required so the surgeon does not create a flap; rather, the cornea is gently brushed to remove the top-most, superficial corneal cells. The laser is then applied to the underlying tissue. Over the next week, the cells that were removed heal back into place.
While both LASIK and PRK are bundled under the umbrella of, “laser refractive surgery”, one procedure may be better suited to your medical needs. For this reason, your surgical team will perform a careful evaluation of your eyes and medical history to determine which laser vision correction procedure is best for you.
What is PRK?
PRK is also performed using the excimer beam. Rather than creating a flap on the cornea, the cornea is gently brushed to remove the very superficial corneal cells. The laser is then applied to the underlying tissue. Over the next week or so, the superficial cells that were removed grow back to cover the surface. Many surgeons prefer PRK for patients with larger pupils or thin corneas, enabling us to treat patients who would not be good candidates for LASIK. At Hudson Valley Eye Surgeons, PC, we are able to custom design the correct procedure for each patient, rather than a “one size fits all” philosophy.
How long will the effect of the Laser last?
Once the healing process has finished, the effect usually remains for life. In some instances, however, re-treatment may be required.
Do some patients need glasses after surgery?
Patients with very strong prescriptions may not achieve their full correction with laser alone and glasses or contact lenses may be necessary for certain situations. For patients close to (or over) 40 years of age, reading glasses may be necessary.
Who is a prime candidate for LASIK?
People with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can benefit from LASIK and PRK.
Complete our brief lifestyle checklist below to determine if the procedure might be right for you.
Individuals over 21 years of age
- Those who possess no pre-existing corneal abnormalities or other medical conditions
Those who currently wear glasses or contact lenses
- Those who have maintained the same eye prescription for at least a year
Those who are not pregnant
- Those who avoid using current vision correction for any of the following reasons:
Only by having a complete eye evaluation can an ophthalmologist tell you if LASIK is an appropriate, safe procedure for you.
Why Choose Hudson Valley Eye Surgeons for LASIK?
We understand that finding the right surgeon to perform your laser vision correction procedure can be difficult. The surgical team at Hudson Valley Eye Surgeons is dedicated to providing you with the best experience possible. Instead of following a “one size fits all” philosophy, we customize your procedure to your individual needs.
Our LASIK patients enjoy a variety of benefits, including:
Custom treatment plans based on your needs
Highly experienced and trained surgeons
Use of state-of-the-art technology
A variety of treatment options and techniques
Conservative approach to care: Not everyone is a candidate for laser vision correction. We will be upfront with you right away whether you are a candidate or not.
As your hometown eye care specialists, Hudson Valley Eye Surgeons is always committed to your satisfaction and health outcomes. We have a main location in Fishkill NY and proudly serve Poughkeepsite NY, Waterbury CT, Danbury CT and the surrounding New York and Connecticut areas.
Contact the staff at Hudson Valley Eye Surgeons today if you have any additional questions or would like to schedule your free no-obligation screening!
