What is LASIK?

IFS Laser

One of the most popular ways to correct vision is with a procedure called LASIK (laser in-situ keratomileusis) or laser eye surgery, which uses a laser to change the curvature of the cornea (outer window of the eye). Stahl Eyecare Experts now uses the iFS laser in conjunction with the Excimer laser and the CustomVue custom LASIK technology to perform laser eye surgery.

LASIK eye surgery has quickly become the laser eye procedure of choice for most patients because they recover quickly and have fewer side effects and complications than with other methods of vision correction. In fact, most LASIK patients notice a significant improvement in their vision soon after surgery.

  • LASIK surgery removes tissue within the cornea to treat low to high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
  • To treat nearsightedness, the steep cornea is made flatter by removing tissue from the center of the cornea. This moves the point of focus from in front of the retina to directly on the retina.
  • To treat farsightedness, the flat cornea is made steeper by removing tissue outside of the central optical zone of the cornea. This moves the point of focus from behind the retina to directly on the retina.
  • To treat astigmatism, the cornea is made more spherical—like a basketball instead of a football. This eliminates multiple focusing points within the eye and creates one point of focus on the retina. Astigmatism can be treated at the same time as nearsightedness and farsightedness.

What to expect on the day of your LASIK surgery:

If you are seeking New York City LASIK you have come to the right place. Please plan your arrival at the Stahl Eyecare Experts laser center for an hour prior to your procedure. Once you have been checked in you may be offered a sedative to help you relax. You will then be prepared for eye surgery. The area around your eyes will be cleaned and a sterile drape may be applied around your eye. Anesthetic eye drops will be used to numb your eyes; no injections or needles will be used. When your eye is completely numb, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure.

In the past, an instrument called a microkeratome would create a hinged flap of thin corneal tissue. Stahl is now proud to use the Intralase iFS laser to create this flap of tissue in a safer, more predictable fashion. During this process, you may feel a little pressure, but no pain. You will then be asked to look directly at a target light while the laser reshapes your cornea. The Excimer laser will be programmed with the information gathered in your pre-operative exam. The laser treatment will be completed in less than a minute or two, depending on the amount of correction needed. To finish the procedure, the protective layer will be folded back into place where it will bond without the need for stitches.

Following your laser eye surgery, your eye(s) will be examined with a slit lamp microscope. Then you will be given additional eye drops, and your eyes may be shielded for protection. Your vision will probably be a little blurry at first, so someone will need to drive you home. You should relax for the rest of the day. You may experience some discomfort for 12 to 24 hours, but this is usually alleviated with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Some people experience sensitivity to light, and watering or swelling of their eyes for a few days following their procedure.

You will be asked to come back the next day for another examination of your eye(s). Most people can actually see well enough to drive the next day but it’s best not to drive until you have been examined. You should be able to resume your normal activities the day after surgery.

Vision can fluctuate for up to six months, but most people can see well enough to pass a driver’s license vision exam following their procedure.

LASIK Process

Realistic expectations for LASIK:

The decision to have laser eye surgery is an important one that only you can make. The goal of any refractive surgical procedure is to reduce your dependence on corrective lenses. However, we cannot guarantee you will have the results you desire. The vast majority of our patients are extremely happy with their vision after laser eye surgery and can do most activities without dependence on corrective lenses.

Serious complications with laser eye surgery are extremely rare. LASIK is a safe, effective and permanent procedure, but like any surgical procedure, it does have some risks. Many of the risks and complications associated with this procedure can be reduced or eliminated through careful patient selection and thorough pre-operative testing using the latest diagnostic technology.

After LASIK, you may experience some visual side effects. These visual side effects are usually mild and diminish over time. But there is a slight chance that some of these side effects won’t go away completely, such as feelings of dryness, glare, and halos. Since everyone heals somewhat differently, some patients may overreact to the procedure and some may underreact resulting in over corrections and under corrections. Once the eye has stabilized (3 to 6 months) you and your doctor can discuss whether a re-treatment could help fine-tune your vision if you are over or under corrected.

At the Stahl Eyecare Experts, we know that the doctors make the difference. At our practice, we are committed to offering the highest quality care using the most advanced technology. Our laser eye surgery doctors at our Long Island, New York practice offer one-on-one consultations and provide the most intimate, individualized care.

Laser eye Surgery is for those who:

  • want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts.
  • are at least 18 years of age.
  • have had a stable eye prescription for at least one year.
  • have no health issues affecting their eyes.
  • have no signs of glaucoma and do not have significant cataracts

Alternatives to LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK is not the only surgical procedure designed to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism:

  • Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
  • Intacs
  • NearVision CK
  • Intraocular lens implants (IOLs)
  • Cataract solutions

If you would like to learn more about vision correction procedures, please call our office at 516-832-8000 extension 4. If LASIK cost NY is a barrier to having clear vision please call us anytime to discuss LASIK financing options.

GARDEN CITY, LONG ISLAND
450 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530
Phone: 516.832.8000
For a LASIK consultation, please call (516) 832-8000 ext. 4
MANHATTAN
185 Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor (On the corner of 34th Street) New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212.689.7676
For a LASIK consultation, please call (516) 832-8000 ext. 4
HAUPPAUGE, LONG ISLAND
200 Motor Parkway, Suite D-25 Hauppauge, NY 11788
Phone: 631.952.8000
For a LASIK consultation, please call (516) 832-8000 ext. 4
spanish flagamerican flag
HIPAA Policy PRIVACY POLICY SECTION 1557 - AFFORDABLE CARE ACT Accessibility Disclaimer
Facebook Twitter Instagram Blog

If you are seeking a Long Island LASIK specialist, the eye doctors at Stahl Eyecare Experts would like to offer you a great opportunity in laser eye surgery. Brought to you by professional, experienced Long Island LASIK surgeons, our one-of-a-kind medical facility brings not only cutting-edge technology, but experienced hands in ophthalmology as well. Helping you achieve your personal best vision is mission critical at our Long Island LASIK office. If LASIK cost is something that has been holding you back please feel free to review our options regarding LASIK Financing. We are dedicated to providing the best in patient education so that our patients can make a well-educated decision as to whether or not LASIK would be a good vision correction option. Remember, not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK. This is precisely why you need to have an experienced LASIK surgeon in Long Island evaluate you to make sure that this is the right eye surgery procedure for you! If LASIK is not the best procedure for you, we offer other ophthalmology procedures such as cataract surgery to help you see better. If you are seeking a Long Island cataract surgeon we are happy to offer cataract consultations to educate you about this process and determine your vision correction options.

If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call 516.832.8000.

All Rights Reserved. Stahl Eyecare Experts ©2024

Stahl Eyecare Experts
Back to top