LASIK which is the short form for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, is one of the most effective and popular procedures for vision correction. It has helped millions of people worldwide to attain clarity of vision without glasses or contact lenses. One of the major issues that people living in urban centers experience is eye problems, and this is caused by several thing, one of which is excessive screen time.

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New York City being a bubbling urban center no doubt has its own fair share of persons suffering from one eye problem or the other. Thankfully, it is one of recognized centers for innovative medical interventions in the world. So, it is not surprising that some of the most competent and experienced experts in LASIK are domiciled in NYC.

If you live in NYC and you need treatment for any type of vision impairment, this article is for you. We will explore the basics of the procedure and share tips on what to expect during the process and also how to choose the best surgeon to work with.

What is LASIK?

Also referred to as laser vision correction or eye surgery, is a procedure that corrects vision impairment such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism:

1. Myopia is nearsightedness, which makes it difficult for the sufferer to see distant objects clearly
2. Hyperopia is the opposite of No.1
3. Astigmatism is distorted or blurred vision because the cornea or sometimes the lens is not well-rounded, and so light does not focus evenly on the retina.

So, with LASIK, the cornea is reshaped so that light can focus well and evenly on the retina, thereby improving vision.

How Does LASIK Work? 

This procedure is fast and not very invasive and it last for about 15 to 30 minutes for both eyes. The steps involved in the procedure are as follows: –

1. Prep Stage – Eye drops are applied to the eye to numb them and reduce discomfort and a device known as a lid speculum will be used to keep the eyes open for the duration of the procedure.
2. Creation of a Corena Flap – This involves creating an exact flap that is very thin on top of the cornea with either a microkeratome blade or a femtosecond laser. This flap is then lifted to expose the corneal tissue beneath it.
3. Reshaping of the Cornea – With the aid of an excimer laser the cornea is reshaped by taking out the tissue little by little until the right shape is achieved. The laser relies on a detail map of the patient’s eye that was created through pre- operative imaging.
4. Replacement of the Flap – The flap that was created in step 2, is carefully replaced on the cornea without stitches as it would naturally stick to the cornea during the healing process.

Benefits of LASIK

The following are the benefits of this procedure: –

1. Improved vision – Has a record of over 95% success rate mostly noticeable within 24 hours of the surgery.
2. Fast Recovery – Typically within-24-48 hours with minimal discomfort during and after the process.
3. Durable Result – Result is usually permanent save for age-related vision issues.
4. Improved Lifestyle – Not needing glasses or contact can enhance one’s lifestyle thanks to comfort and convenience to engage in different sports and leisure activities. That being said however, there are hobbies that don’t strain the eyes; Click here for some of them.

Risks and Potential Side Effects

While it has been proven that LASIK is very safe, life in itself is a risk. It is therefore important to understand the risk and potential side effects associated with this procedure so that you can make an informed decision.

Find below some of those risks: –

1. Dry Eyes
2. Sensitivity to Halos and Glare
3. Under-correction and over-correction
4. Flap Complication

All the above-mentioned can be avoided by choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon for the procedure and also following every instruction before, during and after the procedure to the letter.

How to Choose a LASIK Surgeon in NYC

Like we mentioned earlier, NYC has a good number of highly skilled and competent surgeons. However, it is still necessary that you do your due diligence before choosing the person that will treat you.

Find below some factors to consider as you make your choice: –

1. Experience and Credentials– Ensure that the surgeon’s credentials are correct. They must have a board certification in ophthalmology and a specialty in refractive surgery. Also choose someone who has a high success rate in LASIK procedures.
2. Technology and Equipment – Ensure that the clinic uses up-to-date femtosecond and excimer lasers. Also look out for equipment for 3D eye mapping and others such as Wavefront technology for precision and great results.
3. Transparency and Consultation – A reputable and experienced surgeon will always offer comprehensive consultation. They will take their time to carry out thorough eye mapping and ensure that you fully understand what the procedure entails. Make sure that there is transparency in every process, from pricing to consultation and every step of the procedure. Avoid heavily discounted pricing; it may end up being detrimental to your health.
4. Patient Testimonials and Reviews – Check out feedback from past patients and also look out for reviews on platforms like Yelp, RealSelf, BBB, and Google. You can type in ‘Lasik in NYC’ to search for clinics in New York City. Look out for clinics with positive reviews and a high rating on independent review sites.

What to Expect During Recovery

Like we mentioned earlier, recovery from this procedure is usually very fast. Below are some instructions for your recovery period: –

1. First 24 hours – Use the prescribed drugs and eyedrops, do not rub your eyes and do not strain them.
2. First Week – Avoid direct contact with sunlight, no swimming, and hot tubs. Do not do anything that will put a strain on the eye or increase pressure on it.
3. First Month – Follow-up visit to your surgeon.

Conclusion

LASIK is a very safe and effective procedure for improving vision and removing or reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses. In this article, we have shared tips on how to choose the best surgeon for this procedure. You will do well to bear these tips in mind so that you can get your desired result from the procedure.