Ophthalmology Physicians and Surgeons, PC

Lasik


LASIK is an exciting surgical procedure that is capable of correcting a wide range of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. LASIK is the acronym for laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis. The name refers to the use of a laser to reshape the cornea without invading the neighboring cell layers. LASIK is currently the most commonly performed refractive procedure in the United States. The FDA has approved the use of the microkeratome and use of the excimer laser. The VISX S2 laser that Ophthalmology Physicians & Surgeons uses is FDA approved for LASIK. LASIK has been performed internationally for approximately 10 years. It was first performed in clinical trials in the U.S. in 1991. It was officially approved in 1996 in the U.S. It is important to note that the major components of the procedure have a long history. Ophthalmologists have been reshaping the cornea for over 50 years. LASIK combines the precision of the excimer laser that is used in PRK surgeries with the flap technique that characterizes ALK. First, no removal of the corneal surface tissue is necessary and therefore, postoperative pain is substantially reduced compared to PRK. Second, postoperative visual acuity is restored within a few days rather than weeks. Finally, there is less corneal scarring in the long-term, less change due to healing (regression) and thus greater stability of the correction. LASIK improves the uncorrected vision for distance in most patients who have the procedure. Nearly all patients can expect to achieve 20/40 vision, which most states consider good enough to drive without having to wear contacts or glasses, and many can expect to achieve 20/20 vision or better. However, there are no guarantees that you will have perfect vision. The effects of LASIK are permanent. The effects of LASIK do not wear off. But, it is important to realize that a person's eye can still change internally. That is why many surgeons recommend having the procedure done after the major eye changes have occurred in one's life. Patients should also note that while results are usually stable, they may require an enhancement procedures - performed after the initial one - if necessary. You can resume most normal activities immediately after surgery. You should wear safety glasses while playing contact sports whether or not you have had surgery. You will also need to avoid such activities as contact sports and swimming for several weeks. It is important to talk specifically with your doctor about limitations on activities after LASIK. Fast visual recovery characterizes this operation. Most patients achieve good vision the day after surgery and find that their eyes feel fairly normal within a day. However, vision can continue to improve, and best vision can still take two to three months to occur. Most patients who have LASIK do not wear glasses for their daily activities. However, patients may need to wear reading glasses if they are over the age of 40. This is caused by the normal aging of the eye known as presbyopia. This condition occurs with or without LASIK. Some patients may need a minimal prescription for some activities such as night driving. Most people in their 40's or older will need reading glasses if their eyes are corrected for distance because the eye's lens loses flexibility as we age. Some patients in this age group select monovision, such as is done with contact lenses. This option allows patients to use one of their eyes for distance and the other to see up close. Although monovision proves to be satisfactory for some patients, many are not comfortable with this arrangement. We will be happy to discuss this with you to meet your individual needs. The current cost of LASIK at Ophthalmology Physicians and Surgeons is $3,990 for both eyes. There are financing plans available to defer the payments over a few years. The cost includes all preoperative and postoperative exams for one year, plus enhancements if necessary. We feel it is of extreme importance that you meet the surgeon who performs the procedure prior to making an informed decision on whether to have the surgery. Our surgeons will discuss the risks and benefits of LASIK with you and will try to tell you what YOU can expect. The surgery is performed at the Wills Eye Surgery Center of Bucks County. If you would like more information mailed or e-mailed to you, please leave your name, address, telephone number and e-mail address and submit to lasik@eyeops.com back to top

Hatboro
331 North York Road,
Hatboro, PA 19040
(215) 672-4300
Fax: 215-672-9524

Blue Bell
1188 DeKalb Pike,
Blue Bell, PA 19422
(610) 272-1211
Fax: 610-272-3858

Abington Eye Center
Price Medical Building
1245 Highland Ave Suit 503,
Abington, PA 19001
215-886-0330
Fax: 267-794-0036

Lansdale
LMG Medical Building
1085 South Broad St
Suite F,
Lansdale, PA 19446
215-361-1230
Fax: 215-361-1410

King of Prussia
491 Allendale Road , Suite 120,
King of Prussia, PA 19406
610-265-7770
Fax: 484-754-0350

Doylestown
16 West State Street,
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-345-4777
Fax: 215-345-4184

Valley Forge Towers at King of Prussia
10106 Valley Forge Circle (1000 Bldg - Unit 106),
King of Prussia, PA 19406
610-783-0615
Fax: 610-783-0354