Femto laser cataract surgery is a procedure that uses advanced technology to remove cataracts softly and accurately. Special lasers make precise incisions in the cornea and lens to break up the cataract. This technique aims to reduce astigmatism of the eye and optimize the clarity of your vision during cataract surgery. 

Symptoms of cataracts

More than 20.5 million Americans over 40 years old deal with cataracts. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms your doctor may recommend Femto Laser Cataract Surgery: 

• Having cloudy or blurry vision
• Having a difficult time seeing at night
• Seeing double
• You have to change the prescription for your glasses or contact lenses frequently 
• Colors appearing faded or distant
• Using a brighter light to read, see the tv or laptop
• Experiencing sensitivity to light
• Seeing halos around lights

Advantages of Femto Laser Cataract Surgery

While this procedure may be daunting it actually is a safe alternative to the traditional blade used in removing cataracts. There are a few advantages which include:

1. Safer Capsulotomy

Capsulotomy refers to the thin and dainty membrane that captures the eyes clouded lenses. To have a good chance of spectacle-free vision it must be performed accurately. Before laser procedures were introduced a surgeon had to manually remove the capsule. This led to a higher risk of complications. Once computer-guided lasers were available surgeons were able to cut perfectly circular openings reducing the risk of breakage.

• Softer breakdown of the clouded lens

Cataracts refer to clouding of the natural lens. Sound waves are used to break our lens into smaller pieces. If a cataract is quite dense than more ultrasound energy is required. This can cause damage to the endothelial cells. With femtolaser cataract surgery the laser pre-softens the lens meaning less ultrasound is necessary. This results in less damage, a smoother procedure and a faster recovery period.

• Accurate Incisions

Typically a blade is used to make incisions which leads more room for error. With a femtolaser the exact area, width and dimensions are mapped out improving your vision.

• Astigmatism adjustments

Astigmatism refers to the cornea developing the shape of a football rather than being round. Throughout the procedure a laser is used in the peripheral cornea to fix the shape.

What to Expect Before, During & After Femto Laser Cataract Surgery

Before

Your doctor will perform an ultrasound test measuring the size and shape of your eye. This will decide the IOL, type of lens implant, suited for your eye during your procedure.

During

If you have cataracts surgery, you will be awake through the whole procedure. Sedation or local anesthesia may be offered to provide comfort. While the procedure is only a few minutes the whole process (before, and during) spans around an hour. If you are experiencing cataracts in both eyes your surgeon will most likely perform separate surgeries.

After

Most patients recover from cataract surgery with little to no complications. You will wear an eye shield for a few hours after surgery and when you sleep for a few days. It will take some time for your vision to properly adjust so do not be concerned if you are not seeing perfectly acute immediately after the procedure.

If you think Femto Laser Cataract Surgery may be right for you, contact our office or call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment.

What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a common inflammatory condition where the edges of the eyelids become red, swollen and inflamed. Blepharitis is often caused by a build-up of bacteria living along the eyelid and eyelashes. The most important part of treating and managing Blepharitis is to keep the eyelids clean. If you do not treat it, it will not improve, and your symptoms will remain or possible worsen.

Types of blepharitis

There are two types of blepharitis including anterior and posterier. Anterior blepharitis refers to inflammation affecting the skin around the base of your eyelashes. Posterior Blepharitis refers to inflammation affecting your eyelid glands. Meibomian Glad Dysfunction (MGD) can occur when the eyelid glands become clogged.

Blepharitis affects more than 82 million Americans. It is common amongst people aged over 50. Also, those who have oily skin, dandruff or rosacea are more susceptible to being diagnosed. 

Symptoms and causes

If you have Blepharitis, you may notice some of the following:

• Itchy, sore, and red eyelids that stick together
• Burning, gritty sensation in your eyes
• Visible dandruff on your eyelashes
• Crusty or greasy eyelashes

The possible causes of Blepharitis include:

• Complication of skin conditions such as Seborrhoelc Dermatitis or Rosacea
• A buildup of oil and debris on the eyelids and eyelashes
• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
• Bacterial eyelid infection

Advice & Treatment for Blepharitis

Daily lid hygiene is essential to the management of Blepharitis. Here are treatments that can help you maintain cleanliness around your eyelids:

1. Heat:

Applying a Heated Eye Mask or warm cloth to closed eyelids for 10 minutes can help soften the clogged oils in the eyelid glands. This allows the oils to follow more freely and help prevent the tears from evaporating from the surface of the eye. Following the heated eye mask, gently massage the eyelids using your forefinger. Massaging will help to push the oils out from the eyelid glands.

• Cleanse:

Cleansing your eyelids daily will help remove debris, bacteria, and oil that can often lead to Blepharitis or Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Using lid scrubs or diluted baby shampoo applied by swab or cotton bud have been the most widely recommended method, there are newer, more effective methods of managing lid hygiene such as commercially available lid scrubs, wipes, and Ocusoft Lid foam. Lid scrubs and wipes are usually presoaked in a cleansing solution and ready to use.

• Doctor’s Blephex Treatment: 

In cases of severe meibomian glad plugging and recurrent chalazions/styes, our doctors recommend a BlephEx treatment. BlephEx uses a gentle micro-exfoliating sponge to gently cleanse and remove bacterial biofilm and lid debris in just 6-8 minutes. Since home treatments are only semi-effective the procedure is typically repeated at 4–6-month intervals.

• Supplement: 

Eye doctors recommend a diet rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids and/or the use of nutritional supplements to help manage Blepharitis. Increasing your consumption of Omega-3 Fatty Acids can improve the oil in your glands and relieve symptoms associated with Blepharitis, Dry Eye, and Meibomian Glad Dysfuction (MGD). It is important to choose an Omega-3 supplement such as Focus Relief Vitamins that is highly absorbable by the body to ensure best results.

Think you may be susceptible to blepharitis? Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about your symptoms and whether you may be diagnosed. 

Sources: 

Tucson Eyecare

American Academy of Ophthalmology

February 9, 2022

What is a blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a procedure that removes baggy skin around your eyes to help create a more youthful appearance. As we age, excess skin develops that causes sagging eyebrows and pronounced bags. The purpose of this procedure is to improve your peripheral vision and other parts within your visual perimeter. Through this procedure, your upper and lower eyelids will experience less sagging and folding. 

Risks can include:

• Infection and bleeding
• Dry eyes
• Significant scarring
• Eye muscle damage
• Potential loss of eyesight or blurry vision
• Having to follow-up once procedure is complete
• Hard time closing your eyes

Am I good candidate for eyelid surgery?

You must meet with an ophthalmologist who will discuss:

• Your medical history: You may need to answer questions regarding prior surgeries, past or present conditions relating to dry eyes, glaucoma, diabetes etc, and how often you do drugs, drink alcohol, or take vitamins.
• Your goals: Speaking about what you expect from the procedure will set the tone for a positive outcome. The doctor will let you know if the surgery is the best option for you.

It is necessary to have a physical exam to help determine your candidacy. This may include:

• Complete eye exam: They will examine tear production and measure portions of your eye.
• Visual field testing: To see if you have blind spots affecting your peripheral vision.
• Eyelid photography: Pictures will be taken from certain angles to properly prepare for the surgery. If the procedure is performed for medical reasons, this may support an insurance claim.

Medicines such as warfarin, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium are not allowed to be taken since you can become prone to extreme bleeding. Your surgeon will advise you on the medicines you can take. Additionally, you must refrain from smoking weeks before the procedure. Not doing so may result in delaying your healing time frame. 

Surgery expectations and the aftermath

The procedure is normally performed in an outpatient setting. Injections will be placed in your eyelids to numb them and drugs from an IV will be given to put you in a relaxed state. Once the surgery commences, the surgeon will cut into the fold of your upper eyelid and remove excess skin and muscle. Afterwards the cut is closed. In the lower eye lid the surgeon cuts below your lashes and removes fat and skin. Then the cut is closed. If your upper eyelid happens to droop more than normal, a procedure called ptosis may take place. It is performed to add a lift and remove unwanted skin. In the post-op stage you are placed in a recovery room where staff check on you to see whether you are experiencing any complications. Negative reactions that may result include:

• Blurry vision resulting from ointment you apply on your eyes
• Watering eyes
• Puffy eyelids
• Swelling leading to black eyes
• Pain
• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light

Additionally, if you have glaucoma, retinal detachment, or dry eye this can lead to disrupting the recovery period.

To help make the recovery process more bearable you should:

• Use ice packs every hour for 10 minutes the night after. The following day use them for 4-5 times during the day.
• Use doctor recommended ointments and eye drops
• Use dark sunglasses to prevent the sun and wind from damaging the healing process
• Sleep with your head higher than your chest throughout the week

Think you may be a candidate for eyelid surgery? Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about the risks and benefits of this procedure.

Dry eye occurs when your eyes are not able to produce enough tears to remain wet or when your tear ducts do not function properly. This may lead to discomfort and possibly result in vision problems. This issue is prevalent affecting around 16 million Americans annually.

Factors that cause dry eye

People producing less tears are typically faced with hormonal imbalances. Although, both genders can attain dry eye, it is usually found in women, and most commonly those who have gone through menopause. The main causes of dry eye include:

• Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögrens syndrome, lupus, and thyroid disease
• Blepharitis- when your eyelids are red or swollen
• Looking at a screen for a long period of time 
• Wearing contacts for awhile
• Recently having LASIK performed
• Taking sleeping pills, heartburn medicines, and antidepressant medicines

Symptoms of dry eye

People with dry eyes are prone to the following symptoms:

• Redness
• Scratching or burning eyes
• Blurry vision
• Struggling with nighttime driving
• Mucus in or around the eye
• Watery eyes

How to treat it

The type of treatment you may be eligible for depends on what is causing your symptoms. There are several treatments that can potentially improve your dry eye symptoms to maintain healthy vision including:

• Over the counter eye drops. This form of treatment is known as artificial tears most commonly used for minor cases. Other alternatives include moisturizing gels and ointments.
• Prescription medicine. If you have a serious case of dry eye your doctor may recommend medicines called cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidrra).
• Life adjustments. If something in your daily routine is worsening your dry eye your doctor may suggest cutting that out. For instance, if you are taking a medicine for your heart and it is leading to dry eye then you may have to try another medicine. To make life changes that will improve your eye health you should:
• Avoid smoke
• Use a humidifier
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule in screen activity
• Wear protective sunglasses
• Have 8-10 glasses of water a day
• Sleep 8 hours

• Tear duct plugs. Your doctor may suggest wearing punctal plugs in your tear ducts to lubricate your eyes.
• Surgery. If your lower eye lids are too loose this could lead to tears draining rapidly out of eye. As a result, your doctor may recommend getting surgery.

If you are experiencing dry eye symptoms, Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. 

Corneal transplantation is a surgical procedure used to help prevent or restore vision loss from damage to the cornea. The cornea is the clear, transparent front part of the eye that allows light to enter and focus. Your eye’s cornea must be clear, smooth, and healthy to produce sharp vision. If your cornea is scarred, swollen, or damaged then the light will not be focused properly, and you may experience blurry vision or glare.

What is Corneal Transplant Surgery?

If the damage in your cornea cannot be repaired or healed, your eye doctor may recommend a corneal transplant. This is when the diseased cornea is replaced with a clear, healthy cornea from a human donor. The donor’s corneal tissue will then be implanted into the patient’s eye, where it will function and grow normally.

Corneal Transplant Surgery Options:

• Full thickness corneal transplant– called penetrating keratoplasty (PK), or full thickness corneal transplant. Your diseased or damaged cornea is removed. Then the clear donor cornea is sewn into place.  The recovery process of PK is significantly longer than other types of corneal transplants. It may take up to one year for a patient to regain complete vision.
• Partial thickness corneal transplant-called deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) or partial thickness corneal transplant. DALK is commonly used to treat keratoconus or bulging of the cornea. The diseased, infected, or scarred part of the cornea is removed and replaced with healthy corneal tissue from a donor. Healing time after DALK is a less invasive and shorter alternative to full corneal transplants. There’s also less of a risk of complications occurring as the new cornea won’t be rejected.
• Endothelial keratoplasty (EK) is a cornea transplant technique that is the preferred way to restore vision when the inner cell layer of the cornea stops working properly from Fuchs’ dystrophy, bullous keratopathy, iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome, or other endothelial disorders. EK selectively replaces only the diseased layer of the cornea, leaving healthy areas intact.  There are two types, including:
  • Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty 
  • Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty 

What to Expect Before & After Corneal Transplant Surgery

Once you and your ophthalmologist decide on the corneal transplant surgery, a date will be scheduled for the operation. However, this can change if there is not a suitable donor cornea available at the time of your date. A corneal transplant is done as an outpatient procedure.  Your eye surgeon will use either local or general anesthesia, so you do not feel pain. He or she will then put a device on your eye to keep it open. Even though your eye is open, you will see very little or nothing at all because of the anesthesia.  You will not be able to drive after the transplant surgery. You should make arrangements for someone to drive you home.  

Your ophthalmologist will ask you to return the next day for an eye exam following corneal transplant surgery. For the first few days after surgery, expect your eye to be red, irritated, and sensitive to light. Typically, pain can be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers that your surgeon can recommend. Stitches may need to be removed depending on the type of stitches and surgical technique used. If stitches do need to be removed, they may not be removed for several months.

Your surgeon will recommend that you wear glasses or other protective eyewear for a period to help protect your eyes. Do not rub or press on your eyes while recovering as it can damage and interfere with healing.

If you think corneal transplant surgery may be right for you, contact our office or call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

About Corneal Transplant

Bullous Keratopathy

Cornea Transplant 

You may already know that diabetes increases your risk of developing vision problems. Diabetes can affect your eye care, making it especially important to get a regular eye exam. Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease caused by diabetes.  The loss of vision can be caused by damaged or abnormal blood vessels. As a result, these blood vessels can swell and leak. It is also possible for them to close, preventing blood from passing through. Sometimes abnormal new blood vessels grow on the retina. All of these changes can affect your vision.

How can you tell if diabetes is affecting your eyes?

If you suffer from diabetes, it’s very important to be aware of any early signs of trouble in your eyes. If you have diabetes and notice any of the following symptoms, you should consult your ophthalmologist:

• Blurry, cloudy, or double vision
• Flashing lights or rings around lights
• Blank, dark, or floating spots in your vision
• Pain, pressure, or constant redness in your eyes
• Trouble seeing out of the corner of your eye
• Any sudden change in your vision

Treatments for advanced diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy might not exhibit any symptoms in the early stages, which makes early detection essential. The main treatments for the advanced stages of diabetic retinopathy are:

• laser treatment – to treat the growth of new blood vessels at the back of the eye (retina) in cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and to stabilize some cases of maculopathy
• eye injections – to treat severe maculopathy that’s threatening your sight
• eye surgery – to remove blood or scar tissue from the eye if laser treatment is not possible because retinopathy is too advanced

Laser Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy

Scattered laser surgery is a type of laser treatment that is used as part of the treatment for advanced diabetic retinopathy.

• Photocoagulation. This laser treatment, also known as focal laser treatment, can stop or slow the leakage of blood and fluid in the eye. During the laser ablation, leaks from abnormal blood vessels are treated with a laser. Focal laser treatment is usually done in your doctor’s office or eye clinic in a single session.
• Panretinal photocoagulation. This laser treatment, also known as scatter laser treatment, can shrink the abnormal blood vessels. During the procedure, the areas of the retina away from the macula are treated with a laser device. These scattered burns shrink new, abnormal blood vessels. It’s usually done in your doctor’s office or eye clinic in two or more sessions. Your vision will be blurry for about a day after the procedure. Some loss of peripheral vision or night vision after the procedure is possible.

During the treatment, your eye will be numbed with anesthetic eye drops. A special lens will focus the beam of light onto your eye. You may feel some slight discomfort and you will notice flashes of bright light. The laser treats the middle and peripheral parts of the retina to prevent loss of central vision. Your vision may be blurry following the treatment, which can take between 30-45 minutes. The doctor can only work on one eye at a time, and two or more treatments may be required in each eye.

Post- Surgery Expectations

You should be able to go home on the same day or the day after your surgery. A patch may be necessary for the first few days. Activities like reading and watching television can quickly tire your eyes.

You will probably have blurred vision after the operation. This should improve gradually, although it may take several months for your vision to fully return to normal. Your surgeon will advise you about any activities you should avoid during your recovery.

While treatment can slow or stop the progression of diabetic retinopathy, it’s not a cure. Because diabetes is a lifelong condition, future retinal damage and vision loss are still possible.

Because diabetes eye diseases can lead to blindness and vision impairment, it is important to see your ophthalmologist regularly to monitor the progression. If you have any questions regarding symptoms, contact our office or call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

Diabetic Retinopathy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Treatment-Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy

Our eye is a like a camera – and the windshield to our eye is called the CORNEA.  The cornea has several layers, like an onion.  Disease, infection, or injury may damage your cornea as we age. If that happens, scars or discoloration can form. This damage can block or distort light as it enters your eye.  Cornea disorders can include the following: 

• Dry Eye
• Infections from bacteria, viruses, and acanthamoeba
• Scratches on the cornea from trauma
• Corneal dystrophies: Corneal dystrophies are genetic disorders that are inherited.  They usually affect both eyes. Different layers are affected and result in different degrees of vision loss and sometimes pain. Examples of dystrophies include granular dystrophy and Fuch’s dystrophy
• Keratoconus: 
• Non-inflammatory, degenerative disorder of cornea characterized by progressive ectasia & stromal thinning
• Reported prevalence of 1 in 2000 in the general population 
• Begins in early adolescence and may progress into 20’s or 30’s
• May continue into 40’s if eye rubber
• Associated with Down’s syndrome and eye-rubbing
• Familial predilection

• If you have any of these conditions, there are procedures that can help. 
• One of the latest is called Corneal Cross-linking surgery which is used in patients with Keratoconus or corneal ectasia.

What Is Corneal Cross-Linking?

Cross-linking is surgery to treat a weakened or warped cornea caused by either keratoconus or post laser vision correction ectasia. The cornea made of sheets of collagen.  In keratoconus or other forms of ectasia, the bonds between the collagen sheets are too weak.  As a result the cornea starts to bulge, causing poor vision that cannot be corrected by glasses or regular soft contact lenses.  In some patients with advanced disease, their corneas may rupture, causing a scar, and resulting in the need for a corneal transplant.  

Corneal Cross-linking is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure for the treatment of progressive keratoconus.  The goal of the procedure is to stiffen the cornea to slow or prevent further progression of the condition and preserve your vision.  The cornea is strengthened and reinforced by “cross-linking” new collagen fibers.

What to expect during a Cross-Linking procedure? 

Here’s what to expect during procedure which is done in the office:

• While lying down, you will be given drops to numb your eyes.
• Your ophthalmologist first removes the thin, outer layer of the cornea (epithelium). This allows the medication to reach deeper into the cornea. As a result of the numbing drops, you should feel no pain.
• Vitamin B (riboflavin) eye drop medicine is applied to the cornea for about 30 minutes.
• Next, a special device shines a focused beam of UV light rays at your cornea for close to 30 minutes. The light activates the riboflavin in the cornea. By doing so, your cornea’s collagen fibers can form new bonds.
• A bandage contact lens is placed over the eye(s). This helps the cornea heal. The bandage lens is left in place for about a week.

Corneal Cross-Linking Recovery

During the first week while your eye is healing, it is important not to rub your eyes. You may have discomfort for a few days. Your ophthalmologist will give you medication for discomfort if needed.  As part of the healing process, your doctor will put a contact lens in your eye. In the event that it falls out, notify your doctor. You should not try to put it back in. If your eyes are sensitive to light, you may want to wear sunglasses. Some people will experience inner eye discomfort in the beginning of wearing contacts as well. Overall recovery time will vary by individual, and your doctor will let you know when to resume normal activities. Most people can get back to their normal daily activities within 1-2 weeks of cross-linking.

Think you may be a candidate for surgery? Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office).Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about the risks and benefits of corneal cross-linking surgery.  Insurances often cover the procedure.  Financing is available for those patients who require it.

Sources:

Corneal Cross Linking 

Cornea

Corneal Cross Linking (CXL)

Eye health is important in every phase of life. Many eye conditions in their early stages, have no obvious signs or symptoms and annual exam is often the only way to detect eye conditions before they progress. In most cases, glaucoma goes undetected until it is advanced which can lead to significant damage. 

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that damages your eye’s optic nerve.  Usually, it occurs when fluid builds up in the front part of the eye. That extra fluid increases the pressure in your eye, ultimately damaging the optic nerve. 

Glaucoma patients often experience gradual and subtle vision loss, which is virtually undetectable until it reaches advanced stages. The only sure way to diagnose glaucoma is with a complete eye exam. A glaucoma screening that only checks eye pressure is not enough to find glaucoma.

Types of Eye Exams for Glaucoma Screening

A complete eye exam includes five common tests to detect glaucoma. The five factors that should be checked before making a glaucoma diagnosis:

• Tonometry
• Ophthalmoscopy
• Perimetry 
• Gonioscopy 
• Pachymetry 

Tonometry measures the pressure within your eye. During tonometry, eye drops are used to numb the eye. A tiny instrument is used to touch the surface of your eye and flatten the cornea, which measures the pressure. A small amount of pressure is applied to the eye by a tiny device or by a warm puff of air.

Ophthalmoscopy – This test takes pictures of your retina and optic nerve. Your ophthalmologist dilates your pupils, then uses a special digital camera to capture images.  Many ophthalmologists use a special machine called optical coherence tomography. You rest your chin on a machine and look into a lens. The machine takes pictures for a minute or two without touching your eye. Imagery shows the layers of eye tissue and maps the area.

Perimetry is a visual field test that produces a map of your complete field of vision. Visual field testing can also show how severe glaucoma is. Multiple tests may be used over time in glaucoma to determine how quickly it’s progressing.

Your ophthalmologist asks you to look at an object straight ahead, such as their nose. They may ask you to cover one eye at a time. ahead. After glaucoma has been diagnosed, visual field tests are usually done one to two times a year to check for any changes in your vision.

Gonioscopy shows the angle where your cornea (the clear outer layer of your eye) meets your iris (the colored part of your eye). Your eye’s drainage system is at this angle.  Your ophthalmologist uses eye drops to numb your eye, then touches your cornea with a special lens. The lens indicates whether the angle is open or closed. The drainage system may be blocked if the angle is closed, indicating glaucoma.

Pachymetry is a simple, painless test to measure the thickness of your cornea. Your ophthalmologist numbs your eye with drops, then touches your eye with a small probe to measure the thickness of your cornea. 

If you have one or more risk factors of glaucoma or are over age 40 and have not been screened, talk to one of our ophthalmologists. Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900(Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. 

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology

Glaucoma Research Foundation

LASIK surgery (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) is a refractive surgery and is the number one performed laser vision correction procedure.  In most cases, patients elect to have LASIK when they get tired of wearing corrective lenses, such as contacts or glasses.

Although there are no guarantees with LASIK, most patients report impressive improvements in their vision after the procedure. Choosing to have a procedure like LASIK is not just about seeing better, it’s about living better.

Am I a Good Candidate for LASIK?

LASIK is FDA-approved for people aged 18 and older who’ve had a stable eyeglass or contact lens prescription for at least two years in a row, and whose eyes are generally healthy. Your ophthalmologist will thoroughly examine your eyes and make sure you are a candidate for LASIK. 

The procedure may not be recommended for people with symptoms such as:

• an eye infection or injury
• very thin corneas
• glaucoma
• dense cataracts
• severe dry eyes
• uncontrolled diabetes
• pregnant or nursing women

LASIK isn’t appropriate for everyone. If you are considering LASIK, talk to your ophthalmologist about the benefits and risks — including the potential for quality-of-life issues.

What can I Expect during surgery?

Before the procedure, the eye surgeon will do an exam to check the shape and thickness of the cornea, look for refractive errors, and take detailed measurements of the eye. You will be examined by your ophthalmologist to ensure there are no eye problems.

The surgery should take less than 30 minutes. During the procedure, the eye is first numbed using special eye drops. Your surgeon will place an eyelid holder on your eye to keep you from blinking. He or she will also place a suction ring on your eye to keep it from moving. It will feel as if a finger is pressing firmly onto your eyelid. At this point, your vision will become dim or black.

The surgeon uses a laser called a microkeratome. While your ophthalmologist is using the laser, you will hear a clicking sound. After reshaping the cornea, your eye surgeon folds the flap back down into position and smoothes the edges. The flap attaches on its own in 2–3 minutes, where it will heal in place.

What Can I Expect after Surgery?

• Your ophthalmologist will place a see-through shield over your eye, and you will need to wear it while sleeping for a few days. This is to protect the eye until it heals.
• You should plan to go home and take a nap or just relax after the surgery.
• For a few hours, your eyes may feel scratchy or feel like they are burning. You will be given special eye drops to reduce dryness and help your eye heal.

If you’re tired of wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses, contact our office to see if LASIK surgery is right for you. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment.

Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School