LASIK
Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey
LASIK stands for Laser Assisted in situ Keratomileusis, meaning that it uses a laser to modify the shape of the eye's cornea (front clear part). Since LASIK was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the 1990s, many modifications and improvements have been made to the procedure. The biggest single improvement has been the introduction of Wavefront-Guided LASIK, or "CustomVue LASIK, " which allows for a more accurate treatment.
At the Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates we use the VISX S4 Excimer Laser System with WaveFront guided refractive surgery. You can read more detail about it on the CustomVue Technology page.
Who is a good LASIK candidate?
Not everybody is a good candidate, but good candidacy is a major factor in a successful outcome. We therefore screen our potential patients very carefully. We will do a thorough eye examination and review your medical history. We will talk with you to make sure you understand the procedure and what to expect from it.
To qualify you will need to:
- Be over 18 years of age
- Have a stable prescription (at least two years)
- Be nearsighted, farsighted, and/or astigmatic
- Be free of any disease which would impair your healing, such as Lupus, Hepatitis, or Crohn's disease
- Have no herpes infection in the eyes
- Have no scarring on the corneas and no eye infections or injuries for at least a year prior
- Understand that no surgery, LASIK included, can have a guaranteed outcome
If we determine that you would not be a good candidate for Laser Vision Correction, you may still have other options for vision correction. Your physician will discuss these choices with you.
About your initial consultation:
Your initial consultation for Laser Vision Correction (LASIK), Verisyse Lens (High Myopia), or Crystalens (cataract replacement lens) typically incorporates a comprehensive dilated eye exam. This exam is approximately one hour and will consist of a thorough clinical evaluation and diagnostic testing to determine the eligibility of each patient based on their desired and recommended procedure. Patients will undergo a WaveScan (WaveFront Guided Technology) to measure the refractive error (prescription) along with the percentage of higher order aberrations (visual obscurations), which contribute to unclear vision. After which the surgeon will explain the formalities of the procedure, including previewing the state of the art technology and complete surgical suite used for the surgery. This laser suite is equipped with unmatched climate control abilities including humidity and temperature regulation along with HEPA filtration to maximize air quality and purity during surgery. We also use the Visx S4 Excimer laser, with precise eye tracking and Iris registration functionality. Once a patient has been determined to be a good candidate for the desired and/or recommended procedure, they meet with our refractive director to review the necessary information and to offer convenient financial options. Procedures are scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday afternoons.
Preparing for Your LASIK
Prior to establishing your candidacy, you undergo a meticulous examination including dilation so that your surgeon can rule out any reasons why you shouldn't have refractive surgery. After which you will meet with our refractive director who will address your financial concerns and scheduling opportunities. This is the time to ask additional questions you may have or to book your surgery.
Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates affords every patient the same financial options. You may choose to finance your procedure, with convenient 0% interest payment plans at 12, 18, or 24months. Or, you may also choose to take advantage of your existing credit. We accept all major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and AMEX. Frequent flier miles and reward points may be more attractive when choosing a method of payment for your refractive procedure. Of course cash or a bank check is also accepted and you will be given an itemized receipt.
You will also receive your informed consent form. This outlines what can be expected from your procedure as well as the previous recorded potential complications associated to refractive surgery. We strongly recommend that you read this consent and bring your questions and concerns to the refractive director's attention so that they may be addressed prior to your procedure.
The LASIK Procedure
Susskind & Almallah Eye has brought LASIK to another level. We have a designated laser suite specifically designed for maximum refractive outcomes. It is equipped with temperature and humidity controls, air quality (HEPA) control, and advanced equipment power supply backup so that no procedure can be interrupted.
As you recline comfortably in the treatment chair, Dr. Almallah will guide you through the treatment plan using the VISX laser system which originally diagnosed your eyes. Treatment lasts only a few minutes. Dr. Almallah applies numbing drops so that you feel nothing during the treatment. This is the point at which the flap is created so that the laser can reshape your cornea. Once the laser treatment is complete, Dr. Alamallah will lay the flap back into its original place and the post operative medication drops will be applied. Upon completion, Dr. Almallah will escort you to the examination room where he will check your eyes prior to you going home.
- If you are nearsighted, your treatment will flatten the cornea slightly.
- If you are farsighted, it will steepen the cornea.
- If you are astigmatic, the treatment will contour the cornea so that it is spherical.
Now, treatment on a combination of each of these conditions can be performed at the same time with our VISX WaveFront guided technology.
Recovery
Results of your new vision are immediate. Your eyes may feel tired at first and may have a mild foreign body sensation, however, you will be able to focus. We recommend that you return home and rest for a period of no less than 4 hours. During this time your eyes should remain closed. You will not have to apply your medication drops until the following morning.
You will be given a sheet with self care instructions before you leave the office. These instructions will explain how to keep your eyes protected until they are healed and how to administer your medication drops. We ask that you not commit yourself to any unnecessary activities the day after your procedure. You will be scheduled to see a physician for a 1 day post operation appointment. Typically, normal activities may be resumed within two days of your surgery. You will be scheduled for a one week post operative appointment, one month and six month post operative appointments as well to monitor your progress.
If you would like to learn more about how our eyes work, various eye conditions, and how LASIK and other treatments are done, please see our 3D-Eye Online Education page, which has pictures, animations, and text. Remember to turn up your sound.
We offer vision correction and eye care to all of Monmouth and Ocean Counties in New Jersey. Please feel free to call us or send an email if you would like to learn more about LASIK and whether you would be a good candidate for it. We look forward to meeting with you soon.