1. 1. If you start each day by looking in the mirror trying to picture yourself without eyeglasses, constantly misplace your prescription shades, and are tired of poking yourself in the eye with contact lenses each morning, you may be considering laser vision correction.Ever since its FDA approval in 1999, LASIK has been very popular. Also known as refractive surgery, laser eye surgery changes how the patient’s eye refracts light, improving their vision. When the cornea is not perfectly round, the light focuses irregularly on the retina in the back of the eye, causing a refractive error. LASIK corrects refractive errors in nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism (an irregularly shaped cornea) by changing the cornea’s shape.

      Before your LASIK procedure, make sure you have a consultation with a reputable LASIK surgeon. There are just a few things you should ask during your consultation to ensure you’re receiving the best care:

      Am I a good LASIK candidate?

      Unfortunately, not everyone makes a good LASIK patient. Some people have eye conditions that will prevent them from having a LASIK procedure. To be a good candidate, you should have generally good eye health, sufficient corneal tissue for reshaping, and no current eye diseases, such as cataracts or glaucoma.

      If you have a medical condition, consult with your physician before having any medical procedure. Your doctor should go over your medical history with you to determine if you’re a good LASIK candidate.

      How many times has the doctor done a LASIK procedure?

      LASIK vision correction surgery is, as the name implies, a surgery. Just as you wouldn’t want a podiatrist to handle your heart attack, you don’t want just any eye doctor to handle your LASIK surgery. Campus Eye Group can help connect you to qualified and experienced LASIK surgeons who are willing to walk through the procedure with you.

      How much does LASIK cost?

      The estimate your doctor gives you should include the procedure itself, any necessary preparation, preoperative exams, surgery center fees, and post-op care. Also, check if the office offers financing options.

      Most insurance companies won’t cover LASIK as it’s an elective procedure, but you can discuss payment plans to ease the financial burden.

      What are LASIK’s side effects?

      All medical procedures have side effects– dry eye is the most common symptom after LASIK surgery. You may also see halos when you look at something bright after surgery. This is called the halo effect, and it happens because fluid is building in your cornea as part of the natural healing process. It is nothing to be concerned about and only lasts for a few weeks.

      Your surgeon should be upfront with you about all possible side effects so you’re making a fully-informed decision. To decrease your risk of side effects, make sure to follow all pre- and post-operative instructions from your surgeon.

      What will my vision be after LASIK?

      Chances are, you will not be able to see perfectly immediately after LASIK surgery. Blurred vision or double vision is common for the first day or two, but you should start seeing much clearer after a few days.

      How much does LASIK hurt?

      LASIK surgery is practically pain-free– the doctor numbs your eyes before the procedure begins. It is normal to feel pressure on their eyes during the surgery, but any pressure that you feel will only last a couple of seconds.

      What is the LASIK procedure?

      There are five parts to LASIK. Each eye goes through the same process:

      1. The doctor gives you eye drops to numb the cornea.
      2. The first laser creates a corneal
      3. The second laser reshapes the
      4. The flap is put back in
      5. The process is repeated in the other

       

   2. LASIK surgery only takes about 15 minutes for both eyes.
      

      Is age a factor?

      If you are over 40, you likely need reading glasses, and LASIK does not correct the vision problems that come naturally with age. You can still get the surgery if you are healthy, but additional glasses will be necessary in some cases.

      The Bottom Line

      LASIK eye surgery is a great solution to the annoyance and inconvenience of glasses or contact lenses. Campus Eye Group is here to help you find a solution that works, and walk with you every step of the journey. If you’re interested in improving your vision, schedule your consultation with Campus Eye Group to get answers to all your questions.

Choosing the right surgeon for your LASIK procedure is critical, as the results of LASIK surgery will significantly impact your vision and overall quality of life. There are important considerations that should guide your choice of a LASIK surgeon to ensure the best possible outcome.

Qualifications and Experience

All surgeons performing the LASIK procedure should be board-certified in ophthalmology, hold the necessary licenses to perform LASIK, and have updated certifications. You should check where your surgeon received their education and training. Prestigious universities indicate a top-notch education, and the better the education and training, the better the doctor is at performing the procedure and caring for patients.

In addition, the number of LASIK surgeries performed is a significant consideration. It is essential to ask about the surgeon’s experience and the number of surgeries performed. It takes at least ten years to develop the breadth of knowledge required to comfortably complete the LASIK procedure, as this provides sufficient practice with a wide range of cases and unique situations. It is not unusual for an experienced surgeon to have performed more than 25,000 LASIK surgeries.

Reputation

Ensure the surgeon you are considering has an impeccable reputation with former patients and professional associations such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide insights into whether others were satisfied. You can request additional references if you would like a more personalized referral. Former patients must have consistent positive feedback.

Technology and Equipment

The LASIK center should invest in the latest technology and equipment. Ask your LASIK experts about the equipment they use and why they have chosen it. Also, the LASIK center should adhere to strict hygiene standards, safety protocols, and infection control measures.

Consultation and Evaluation

A thorough examination is necessary to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for LASIK. Your LASIK center experts should conduct a comprehensive eye examination, discuss your medical history, and address any concerns and questions you may have. They should also provide realistic expectations regarding the outcome of the procedure.

Also, the LASIK Center should provide comprehensive follow-up care after the procedure and be available afterward should any complications or concerns arise.

Communication and Trust

A good LASIK consultant will care enough to take the time to answer any questions you may have, explain the procedure in detail, and make sure that you feel comfortable and informed during the process. Trust and open communication are paramount to achieving a satisfactory result.

Finally, while cost should not be the sole factor in determining your LASIK provider, you should understand the pricing structure and financing options.

Schedule a Consultation

Campus Eye Group is committed to providing patients with superior outcomes in a safe and comfortable environment. To find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK surgery, schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified ophthalmologists and expert LASIK surgeons in Hamilton, NJ, today.

Are you considering LASIK surgery to correct your vision? Before you get LASIK, there are some important steps you can take to make sure you have the best possible experience.

At Campus Eye Group, we want to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best decisions about your vision care. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the things you should do before getting LASIK.

Share Your Medical History

Before undergoing any kind of surgery, being honest about your medical history is important. LASIK is a very safe procedure, but your surgeon needs to know about any existing medical conditions and medications you may be taking to assess your candidacy properly. Discuss any eye diseases, autoimmune disorders, pregnancy, or other medical issues with your doctor.

Drink More Water Before Surgery

It’s important to stay hydrated before and after your LASIK surgery. Be sure to drink plenty of water the week before the surgery and during your recovery. Staying hydrated will help your body heal more quickly and reduce the risk of any post-surgery complications.

Stop Wearing Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, stop wearing them at least two weeks before your surgery. Contact lenses can alter the shape of your cornea, so it’s important to give your eyes time to return to their natural shape before your procedure.

Let Someone Drive You to the Procedure

Ensuring you have someone to drive you to and from your LASIK procedure is important. Driving yourself home after the surgery is not recommended as your vision may be blurry, and you may be more sensitive to light. Make sure to arrange for a friend or family member to be your designated driver for the day.

Don’t Wear Makeup

It is important to avoid wearing makeup, on the day of your LASIK procedure. Makeup can irritate your eyes after the surgery and increase the risk of infection.

In addition, it’s important to wash your face with a mild cleanser the night before the procedure, as any makeup residues can also increase your risk of infection. Be sure to arrive at your appointment with a clean face.

Wear Comfortable Clothes

It’s important to wear comfortable clothing to your LASIK appointment. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing as it could affect your eyes when you’re trying to take it off. Wear a shirt or blouse that buttons up in the front or that has a wider neckline.

Be Mentally Prepared

LASIK is a surgical procedure, so being mentally prepared for the experience is important. Talk to your doctor about what to expect during the procedure, and ask any questions you may have. Knowing what to expect can help you relax and stay calm during the procedure.

Bring Sunglasses

It’s also important to bring sunglasses to your LASIK appointment. Your eyes will likely be more sensitive to light right after the surgery. To protect your eyes from the light and UV rays and to stop you from rubbing or scratching your eyes, sunglasses are recommended. You can also bring a hat to wear to block out the UV rays and light that may make it over your sunglasses as well.

Learn About Post-Surgery Care

Before your procedure, your doctor will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your eyes after the surgery. Be sure to follow these instructions and avoid any activities that could strain your eyes in the days following the procedure.

Schedule A Consultation

LASIK surgery can be a life-changing experience that can correct your vision and allow you to see clearly without glasses or contacts.  At Campus Eye Group, our experienced team of eye care professionals will be happy to answer any questions and help you prepare for your procedure.

To schedule a consultation today, call our offices or use our online scheduling form.

If someone you know still wears reading glasses after having LASIK surgery, you may have some questions, especially if you are considering having the procedure done yourself. After all, LASIK surgery corrects vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism permanently, so many assume it eliminates the need for glasses or contact lenses.

It turns out, requiring “readers” after having LASIK surgery is a common, natural occurrence for many people over the age of 40 due to a condition called presbyopia.

What Is Presbyopia?

Presbyopia, or “aging eye,” is a condition where the eye naturally loses the ability to focus on objects up close. This makes it difficult to read small print or clearly see objects close to the eye. It is a normal result of aging that affects many people beginning in their mid-40s and gradually worsens until around age 65.

Some of the symptoms of presbyopia include:

• Headaches after reading up close
• Blurred vision at a normal reading distance
• Needing to hold reading material away from the face

What Causes Presbyopia?

Even if you have great eyesight in your younger years, you can still develop presbyopia.

When you look at something closely, your eye’s lens and ciliary muscles constrict so they can focus light onto the retina more clearly. As you age, your lens and ciliary muscles harden and lose the ability to change shape and focus light as effectively, causing your vision to blur up close.

Presbyopia Risk Factors

While presbyopia is mostly an age-related condition, certain risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing it prematurely. These risk factors include:

• Having diabetes
• Being naturally farsighted
• Taking certain drugs (antidepressants, antihistamines and diuretics)

Can LASIK Correct Presbyopia?

LASIK surgery is used to correct myopia and refractive errors like astigmatism and hyperopia – but not problems stemming from presbyopia. It is possible to have presbyopia and another type of refractive error simultaneously, so older adults may still want to have LASIK performed.

If you are nearsighted, or you can see clearly up close but not far away, LASIK may cause you to lose some of your ability to see up close earlier than usual. Similarly, if your vision is fully corrected for distance, you are more likely to need reading glasses once presbyopia develops.

Presbyopia Solutions

Monovision

If you are an older adult considering LASIK, ask your doctor about correcting your vision for monovision. This procedure treats one eye for nearsightedness and the other for farsightedness, effectively providing clearer vision at any distance. It can be difficult for your eyes to get used to this though, so it is not for everyone. Consider doing a trial with contact lenses first.

Intraocular Lens Implants

Intraocular lens implants (IOLs) are another potential solution for people who want to correct their “aging eye” without relying on readers. IOLs are artificial lenses that correct refractive errors while permanently replacing your natural lenses. Presbyopia-correcting IOLs are a more recent development that are typically used with patients who do not qualify for laser refractive surgery.

Vision Solutions in Mercer and Bucks Counties

Whether you are considering LASIK or have questions about potential presbyopia solutions, Campus Eye Group offers the latest advancements in vision correction and treatment. Some of our comprehensive services include IOLs, LASIK and, of course, eyeglasses and contact lenses.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 609-587-2020 or visit us online today!

 

Contoura™ Vision – Topography-Guided Laser Vision Correction

The field of laser vision correction is constantly progressing. Since the advent of laser refractive surgery in the 1980s, more and more people across the world have been able to reduce the effects that nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism have had on their daily lives – and many have completely eliminated their need for corrective eyewear in order to see clearly. The efficacy of these procedures has continued to improve as the technology has advanced, and our providers at Campus Eye Group have established ourselves as leading voices in the development of new techniques.

What is Contoura and What is Unique About it?

The eye has two kinds of axes: the pupillary and visual axes. The pupillary axis passes through the center of the front sight, while the optical axis is the line that passes through the object of interest and fovea. Unlike other laser eye procedures, Contoura works on the visual axis, which results in better vision.  In fact, Contoura when added with LASIK can produce sharper results than LASIK, the most popular laser eye correction surgery.

 

ContouraTM Vision – Topography-Guided Laser Vision Correction can optimize the surface of the eye’s cornea in such a way that it enhances the quality of vision better than has ever been possible before. One of the unique characteristics of the cornea is that it does not have a smooth surface. Contoura involves your ophthalmologist using a Topolyser to map the irregularities in your cornea and understand 22,000 unique data points. Understanding the individual data points enables your ophthalmologist to adjust your surgery accurately and effectively. Contoura targets the aberrations of the cornea that need to be corrected.

 

In clinical studies, ContouraTM Vision – Topography-Guided Laser Vision Correction helped 90% of patients see as well or better without glasses than they did with glasses. It can benefit patients in several ways, helping them obtain a better quality of vision and reducing issues with night glare.

 

Although previous laser vision correction techniques have offered patients incredible precision and accuracy while reshaping the cornea and addressing visual refractive errors, ContouraTM Vision – Topography-Guided Laser Vision Correction takes the treatment even further. Instead of just treating the refractive error, this technology utilizes unparalleled diagnostic capabilities to identify and record imperfections in the curvature of the cornea and the optics of the cornea, combining those measurements with the refractive error to give the eyes a better-focusing surface. The technique goes together with our state-of-the-art Excimer Laser, allowing our experienced eye surgeons to create a truly customized LASIK procedure that can enhance your eyesight with stunning results.

Schedule an Appointment

During your initial LASIK consultation and eye evaluation our LASIK specialists will talk with you about your eligibility and determine if Topography-Guided Laser Vision Correction would be beneficial for your needs.  Call us today at 609-587-2020 or fill out our web form to get started website form to get started.