Refractive Surgery Options – Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD, FAAO, FACS
1. Anesthetic drops are applied to the eye. |
2. A hinged flap is created by the surgeon and folded back. |
3. The inner corneal layer is reshaped with the laser. |
4. The surgeon closes the flap. |
5. The flap adheres naturally and securely. |
LASIK is a laser-assisted surgery that is used to reshape the patient's cornea, thereby altering the angle at which light enters the eye resulting in improved vision. When performed by an experienced Long Island LASIK surgeon such as Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD, FAAO, FACS, LASIK can lead to remarkable vision correction results, greatly reducing or completely eliminating patients' dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
LASIK eye surgery is a painless procedure that is performed under topical anesthesia in less than 20 minutes. Dr. Donnenfeld offers LASIK, CustomLASIK and iLASIK to patients throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
LASIK on Long Island: The Procedure
Laser eye surgery begins with a thorough preoperative evaluation employing advanced technology to determine if the patient is a candidate. The next step is analysis of the eye's unique visual imperfections. This is accomplished through the use of advanced diagnostic technology known as wavefront or CustomLASIK. This information is then used to calibrate the surgical laser (excimer laser) for corneal reshaping. The first step of LASIK surgery involves the creation of the corneal flap, a thin piece of tissue that is lifted and folded back from the surface of the eye to expose the stroma (middle part of the cornea). During the creation of the corneal flap, Dr. Donnenfeld uses a femtosecond laser for a blade-free LASIK surgery, also known as iLASIK or all-laser LASIK.
Next, the cool laser beam from the excimer laser is administered to remove microscopic layers of the cornea, thereby eliminating refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism. This step usually takes less than one to two minutes per eye.
Following corneal reshaping, the corneal flap is returned to its original position, where it naturally seals to the surface of the eye without the need for stitches.
The combination of custom excimer laser with a tracking system and flap formation with the most advanced femtosecond laser is known as iLASIK. This is the same technology employed by the military for its fighter pilots and NASA for our astronauts. Dr. Donnenfeld uses the same technology as these government agencies.
LASIK Surgery Recovery and Results
Because the outermost layer of the cornea (corneal flap) is preserved and protects the eye during the healing process, postoperative discomfort is minimal. Nonetheless, LASIK patients are provided with detailed aftercare instructions and antibiotic eye drops for a smooth and safe recovery. Patients who undergo LASIK under the excellent care of Dr. Donnenfeld typically experience improved vision within 24 hours following surgery.
LASIK Eye Surgery Candidates
The best candidates for LASIK eye surgery are individuals over the age of 18 whose eyeglass prescription has changed minimally for one to two years. Those whose corneas are too thin may not be good candidates for LASIK but will most likely qualify for alternative vision correction treatments such as PRK or implantable contact lenses, also performed by Dr. Donnenfeld. Your candidacy can only be determined during an eye exam with a LASIK surgeon.
To learn more about LASIK and your candidacy, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Donnenfeld. Dr. Donnenfeld also offers treatments for Long Island cataract surgery patients.
