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- 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:
- The doctor gives you eye drops to numb the cornea.
- The first laser creates a corneal
- The second laser reshapes the
- The flap is put back in
- The process is repeated in the other
- 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.
- 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.
How to choose your LASIK Surgeon
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.
What to do before LASIK surgery?
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.
Why Do People Still Need Glasses after having LASIK surgery?
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: What to Expect?
Contoura™ Vision – Topography-Guided Laser Vision Correction
What is Contoura and What is Unique About it?
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.
Campus Eye Group Helps You To See The World Clearly
Good eye health is vital to ensure proper vision. It is recommended that you see your eye doctor at least once every year because vision and eye problems can change quickly especially in older adults. There are numerous eye diseases that need the care of an eye doctor who specializes in various techniques to improve vision. The experts are experienced in providing surgical procedures for diseases of the eyes.
About Campus Eye Group
Campus Eye Group, founded in 1981 is a multi-specialty, interdisciplinary eye care practice with multiple offices in Mercer County, NJ and Bucks County, PA. We are one of the largest, most prestigious free-standing eye care centers in the country.
Our professional staff is comprised of both consulting board-certified ophthalmologists and therapeutically certified optometrists who deliver the highest quality of eye care, innovative medical and surgical care, and the finest optical services available.
LASIK as it Relates to Dry Eyes
Our staff at Campus Eye Group combines our high-level specialists with the latest technology to provide patients with superior treatment and vision care. We specialize in Laser surgery, cataract surgery, diabetic eye disease problems, glaucoma, and more. Many people who wear contact lens will develop a disorder called dry eyes. This can also be a short-term temporary effect of Laser surgery for vision correction. If dry eyes exist before a LASIK surgery, the doctor will consider treating the disorder before the surgery. The treatment will keep you from being eliminated from the LASIK surgery.
Medicare makes Eye Care Convenient for Older Adults
The Department of Health and Human Services has granted Campus Eye Group with a Medicare-certified status. This is beneficial to older adults who are sometimes reluctant to see their eye doctor because they lack the insurance coverage they need. Cataracts are especially common for senior citizens, and our friendly professional staff at Campus Eye Group have made our offices comfortable and relaxing for our patients. This is very important to older adults. Most Medicare plans have vision coverage.
Campus Eye Group Accreditation
Campus Eye Group voluntarily participates in the quality assessment program that is set forth by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). This is the leader in the accreditation of ambulatory health care services. Accreditation is achieved through the development of specific standards, and through their surveys program. A high level of commitment is one of the demands of accreditation. It challenges health care providers to find better options to offer their patients.
The best in eye health care, and LASIK, or other eye surgery is provided to our patients in Mercer County, NJ and Bucks County, PA at Campus Eye Group and Ambulatory Surgery Centers. From minor to major eye problems, our specialists are highly qualified to manage all diseases, and disorders of the eyes. We have all of the innovative technology and equipment to render top-notch service and care for your eyes or the eyes of your senior adult or child.
Can I Have LASIK With Astigmatism?
What Are the Side Effects of Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is an extremely effective way to restore your vision if you’ve been struggling with cataracts. However, it can help to know what to expect from your surgery. Here’s what to know about cataract surgery so you can begin preparing and bring the right questions with you to your consultation with our expert team.
What Is Cataract Surgery?
Cataracts are caused by a buildup of protein on the natural lens of the eye. The goal of cataract surgery is to replace the cloudy lens capsule of each eye affected by cataracts with a clear artificial lens (an intraocular lens implant). The surgery is done as an outpatient procedure by an ophthalmologist. This procedure is common, quite safe, and is one of the most effective ways to treat cataracts in the long term. Your eye surgeon will only recommend cataract surgery if they are confident that you are a good candidate.
The Risks of Cataract Surgery
There are rarely any serious complications when cataract surgery is performed by an experienced ophthalmologist. However, every surgery comes with risks. Some of the risks of cataract surgery include:
- Infection
- Bleeding in the retina
- Swelling
- Drooping eyelids
- Misplaced lens implant
- Detachment of the retina
- Glaucoma
- Loss of vision
- Secondary cataract
If you have eye diseases like macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal detachment, or other medical conditions, the risks are greater. Your ophthalmologist can evaluate if treatment for other eye conditions is necessary before you consider cataract surgery. If you are predisposed to infection, your specialist may prescribe antibiotic eyedrops that need to be administered for up to two days before the surgery.
What to Expect After Cataract Surgery
Typically, patients go home the same day as their procedure but be aware that you cannot drive yourself and will need somebody else to take you home. You should plan on resting for around one week as you recover. Bending and lifting can put a strain on the eyes, so you should not be overly active during this time.
Temporary Blurred Vision
After surgery, your sight may be a bit blurred as the process of healing begins to adjust your eyes to the new lenses. Your vision will begin to return to normal within a couple of days. With new lenses, the colors you see can seem more vivid and bright since you are no longer looking through cataracts. A clouded lens mutes colors and patients sometimes don’t realize just how much the condition affected their vision until after their surgery is completed.
Protect Your Eyes
In the first few days after surgery, itching and discomfort are normal. Try not to rub your eyes or push on them since this could cause a dislocated intraocular lens. It’s possible that your ophthalmologist may want you to wear an eye patch to protect and shield your eye after the operation. You may also need to wear a shield that will protect your eyes for several days post-op and every night during your recovery period. Light sensitivity is a common temporary side effect so it is important to wear sunglasses when outdoors.
Use Eye Drops
Eyedrops will be prescribed to avoid the risk of infection and bring down any swelling or ocular pressure you may have. Your discomfort should be gone after a few days and you should begin to see improvement in healing. If not, then be sure to see your ophthalmologist as soon as possible. It will take approximately eight weeks to be completely healed.
You will typically return to your ophthalmologist up to two days after your procedure, and again the next week. About one-month post-op, you will have another appointment to make sure you are healing properly.
Symptoms to Look Out For
If you have any of the following symptoms, you should get in contact with our office immediately:
- Loss of vision or persisting blurry vision
- Pain that does not go away even after using over-the-counter pain relievers
- Redness or swelling of the eyelid and surrounding areas of the eye
- Flashes of light or floating “spiders” in front of the eye
Schedule a Consultation
Cataract surgery is an excellent, long-term option for restoring your vision. To learn more about your options and what to expect from recovery, contact our offices by calling or filling out our online form.
Work & Activity Schedule After LASIK Surgery
LASIK surgery is one of the most popular types of laser eye surgery and it offers patients the chance to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses. There are some standard recommendations and wait times on certain activities that you can use as a guide to understanding what to expect with work and activity restrictions following your LASIK procedure.
Operating a Vehicle
After LASIK eye surgery, blurry vision is expected so you will need someone to drive you home. You will NOT need someone to drive you to the postoperative checkup scheduled the day after your LASIK procedure. During your postoperative visit, your vision will be checked. Then, one of our doctors will look at your eyes through the slit lamp to make sure the healing process is going smoothly.
Bathing and Showering
You’ll be able to bathe or shower the day after surgery. Take precautions not to get soap or water in your eyes for at least a week during your LASIK surgery recovery. If you do get soap in your eye, rinse your eye out with medicated eye drops and call your eye doctor if you experience severe pain that persists.
Swimming
Freshwater carries the risk of infection, and chlorine and salt pool water carry the risk of eye irritation. Spas and hot tubs are also not friendly for healing after LASIK because bacteria thrives in hot water environments. You’ll want to avoid these water activities for at least 2 weeks during the LASIK eye surgery recovery process.
Applying Eye Makeup
To avoid irritating your eyes, it’s ideal to wait about seven days postoperative to resume wearing eye makeup. While you wait, take the opportunity to replace all your old mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow, primers, and open-jar creams. With use, makeup can harbor microorganisms that can cause bacterial eye infections. Replacing all old eye makeup and open-jar facial lotions reduces the risk of infecting your healing eyes with contaminated products.
Exercise
Wait a few days postoperative to resume your normal exercise routine. As your eyes continue to heal over the next two to six weeks, you’ll want to take precautions to keep sweat from running into your eyes. Keep a towel nearby and invest in a good sweatband for your head. Contact sports will also have to be avoided for up to six weeks.
Return To Work
Most patients can go back to work as soon as the next day after LASIK. If you work in an unclean, dusty, dirty, or outdoor environment, your LASIK surgeon may recommend more time off.
Right after the LASIK procedure, your eyes may feel a little dry, especially if you spend most of your workday behind a computer screen, driving, reading paperwork, or otherwise visually focused. You’ll want to use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops over the next few weeks to reduce dryness, and remember not to rub your eyes for at least two weeks postoperative.
Schedule a LASIK Consult for Detailed Information
Of course, these are general guidelines on what activity and work restrictions may follow LASIK. During your initial LASIK consultation, your eye surgeon can provide a more comprehensive and individualized list of information on what activity and guidelines will accompany your LASIK recovery. Contact Campus Eye Group today for a consultation with one of our LASIK experts.
What is LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK has become a top treatment to fix vision issues. More than 10 million Americans have fixed their sight with LASIK since it was approved by the FDA in 1999. With more than 700,000 surgeries completed each year. It is one of the more popular surgeries in the country. Most patients have very high satisfaction ratings, and overall, almost 99% of patients heal to 20/20 vision. Almost 50% will have better than 20/20 vision.
What is Laser Vision Correction
People who wear contacts or glasses often hear about the benefits of LASIK surgery to correct their eyes. There are two main types of surgery, including LASIK and PRK. The surgeries were created to eliminate the need for glasses or contacts and return the vision to 20/20.
Who is a good candidate for LASIK?
People who are nearsighted, farsighted, or/and have astigmatism can have LASIK surgery. You might be eligible for LASIK surgery if you have good overall eye health. It is not recommended for people who have a cornea disorder called keratoconus.
You Might Need Glasses After Surgery
Despite the high success rate, this operation does not guarantee that patients will be able to get rid of glasses for the rest of their lives. Reading very small print or driving at night may still require glasses.
How Does LASIK Work?
LASIK works by re-sculpting the cornea. The cornea is the rounded, clear surface of the eye, which helps focus the light as it enters the eye. The surgeon will create a very thin flap on the cornea with a laser. Then he uses a different laser to reshape the cornea to the ideal shape discussed in your pre-operation eye exam. The corneal flap is then returned back into its original place.
What is PRK?
PRK is a different procedure than LASIK, which might be a better option for people who have some pre-existing eye conditions like very thin corneas. The recovery time for PRK is a little longer than LASIK – about 3-5 days. It is also not as comfortable as LASIK, but the final outcome for both procedures should be the same.
Lens Implants
If you are not eligible for laser surgery because you have too strong of a prescription, you might be eligible for implantable lenses. They focus on treating nearsighted people or those who have astigmatism. The lenses are created from plastic or silicone and are surgically placed inside the eye.
Campus Eye Group
If you are considering LASIK surgery, please call us to schedule an appointment.