Potential Side Effects from LASIK Surgery

LASIK, Intralase LASIK, Wavefront LASIK, Epi-LASIK, LASEK and PRK are some of the procedures that your LASIK surgeon can do to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism (irregular cornea). Over 95% of all patients are reportedly satisfied with the results of their LASIK surgery, but are there risks? Are there side effects from LASIK surgery?

To give you the best possible vision, your surgeon can perform any of the “refractive” surgeries listed above, and all of them involve removing and reshaping your corneal tissue in different ways with an excimer laser. The changes made to your cornea will be permanent, and not reversible. 

When performed by a qualified refractive surgeon, these procedures are all safe and offer excellent results.  But there are some important factors to consider before you make the decision to undergo New York/ New Jersey LASIK surgery. 

1. Find a skilled and experienced LASIK surgeon. LASIK surgery is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s very important to find a refractive surgeon who is highly trained, offers the latest technology and can educate you about the best procedure based on your unique health considerations. Find out more about how to choose the best New York/ New Jersey LASIK surgeon.
2. Find out if you are a suitable candidate for LASIK surgery.  A thorough diagnostic screening exam will tell the doctor about your corneas (shape and thickness), your pupil size, whether or not you have dry eyes, and the degree of your refractive errors. During your consultation, it’s very important that you tell the doctor about what you hope to achieve from LASIK surgery. Typically, if your vision can be corrected to 20/20 when you’re wearing your glasses or contacts, your surgeon’s goal will be to get as close to that level as possible with LASIK. He or she may also recommend a different procedure that may be better suited to your eyes and give you better results. And the right procedure will help you avoid any undesirable LASIK side effects.

Potential LASIK side effects

While New York/ New Jersey LASIK surgery is quite successful for most patients, there are risks of complications or side effects. You can expect that it will take up to 6 months for your eyes to heal before you will reach your best vision improvement after LASIK. Some of the most common LASIK side effects include:

• discomfort or pain
• hazy, blurry vision
• halos, glare, starbursts or sensitivity to light
• infection or inflammation
• dry eye syndrome
• problems with flap healing
• night vision problems

Many of the conditions on this list are short-term LASIK side effects and can be treated and remedied quickly. You may also need to wear glasses occasionally for optimal vision because not every patient can achieve 20/20 vision, even with LASIK surgery.

There’s a small chance that your vision will not be as good after the surgery as it was before. You may have reduced vision  which can usually be corrected by treatment and/or wearing corrective lenses, or, in extremely rare cases, you could experience permanent loss of vision.

It’s also possible for your surgeon to over- or under-correct your refractive error during LASIK surgery. This would mean that you may either need re-treatment with LASIK or a similar refractive surgery, or you would have to wear glasses or contact lenses for some activities.

As you can see, it’s critical to do your homework and find a skilled LASIK surgeon to ensure that you get the best possible long-term results. Don’t be  swayed by an ad you saw on a billboard or in a magazine for discount LASIK surgery.
 

Improve Your Chances for Success

No surgery is perfect and no surgeon can guarantee success, but you can greatly improve your chances for excellent LASIK surgery results by having a consultation with Ilan Cohen, M.D., of 5th Avenue Eye Center. Dr. Cohen is one of the most renowned LASIK surgeons in the nation with vast experience in LASIK techniques, and he and his staff will be happy to help you understand the best available treatment options for improving your eyesight.

If you have any questions at all or simply want to learn more about our New York/ New Jersey LASIK centers, about laser eye surgery in general, or about other laser vision correction options in NYC, Manhattan, Glendale (Queens), or Old Bridge, New Jersey and surrounding cities, we welcome you to schedule an appointment now, call (212) 764-2020 or (866) 731-3937, or visit us in person.

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Is LASIK for Teens a Good Idea?

They already know everything; now they want to see everything; without contacts, and definitely without glasses (unless, of course, it’s “a cool pair of shades”). But should they have LASIK surgery?

No; in most cases, a resounding no. LASIK for teenagers is not a good idea. And, while you may see an occasional news article regarding the use of LASIK technology on patients under the age of 18 (watch for that future posting!), it will be done in extreme cases to repair severe abnormalities of the eye and/or eyesight in what is known as an “off-label” use of the technology, and not for the typical use of LASIK to repair refractive errors.

Why not?

Believe it or not, your 6′ tall, 17 year old son may be in for another growth spurt. We all have friends with stories of how they experienced another (or for those of us who were petite when graduating high school, a first) growth spurt, adding a few more inches to their already adult-sized frames. Well, the eyes keep changing too.

The end of puberty does not automatically come at the age of 18. Nothing magical happens on that night of “17 years and 364 days” that makes the “18 year” body stay the same for the rest of your life. Some studies indicate that puberty may extend to the age of 21, and even out to 25 for some people.

In the complex system that is your body, changes in the body can, and do, lead to changes in the refractive errors in the eyes. Technically, all those changes in prescriptions are called refractive instability and are totally normal for children and young adults. But you have to wait for them to stop; otherwise, you’re wasting your time and money. Why undergo LASIK surgery and expose yourself to surgical risks (which are small, but are still there) when it’s quite possible that it’s not going to stick?

More importantly, ethical LASIK surgeons shouldn’t do it. The FDA has rules and regs that doctors have to follow regarding instruments that are used in surgery. Direct from the FDA website, “Currently, no lasers are approved for LASIK on persons under the age of 18.” It’s not that it would not be safe for teens; it’s that pesky refractive instability again.

So at what point can a young adult get LASIK?

As with a patient of any age, it’s determined by a variety of factors, which includes having a stable prescription for at least two years. Candidacy also includes overall health, medical history, eye health, and corneal size. A complete exam will take approximately two-to-three hours.

Technically, LASIK is safe for teens, but from 21 to 25 are the ideal ages people should consider LASIK. This is all taken on a case by case basis, of course, and there may be circumstances where a teen as young as 18 qualifies for LASIK eye surgery. But, in general, 21 to 25 is a good age.

Bottom line: if your teen is chomping at the bit, find yourself a New York or New Jersey LASIK surgeon with a great reputation and stellar track record (ask your friends and co-workers for recommendations). Let him/her talk with your teen about the pros and cons of LASIK at an early age, and let the doctor decide whether or not he/she will even consider deeming them appropriate for LASIK surgery.

If you have questions about eligibility for LASIK surgery or other types of New York and New Jersey laser vision correction procedures, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ilan Cohen of 5th Avenue Eye Center. He will be happy to discuss your (or your teen’s) options!
 

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The History of LASIK

As far back as the 16th Century, Leonardo da Vinci had the idea that refractive errors were responsible for vision impairments. It was not until many centuries later that a series of achievements led up to the revolutionary treatment we know today as LASIK.

Although lasers came into use in the 1970s for several eye conditions, the first excimer laser was not produced until 1975. Then, advancements in vision correction began to rapidly occur. Enjoy a visual history of LASIK surgery in the infographic below. (Click to enlarge it.)
 

Lasik Timeline infographic by skidanjedioptrije.

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Importance of Regular Eye Exams

It’s a wonderful morning: the sun is shining, the coffee is brewing already and, best of all, you can see your alarm clock clearly and distinctly since your LASIK surgery! A few days of inconvenience has given you better vision than you ever imagined, and you healed beautifully. You’ve donated your glasses; why can’t you throw away your eye doctor’s phone number too? Why would you need to keep having eye exams after LASIK surgery?

Not only are the eyes “the window to the soul” in the literary tradition but can also be the first indicator of serious health problems. Body-wide systemic conditions as well as disorders directly affecting the eye can be detected early with regular and thorough eye exams, an important part of maintaining overall good health.

High Blood Pressure, Diabetes

Fluctuating vision (including loss of side vision), floaters, and abnormal eye pressure can signal the presence of high blood pressure and/or diabetes before you even know you have them. Both conditions deal with the cardiovascular system and fluid retention, damaging the tiny blood vessels in the retina, putting too much pressure on the ocular nerve, or even detaching the retina.

Age-Related Eye Diseases

With age comes wisdom, as well as a whole host of other issues you want to avoid as much as possible. Regular eye exams can’t stop genetics, but they can help you deal with it. Cataracts cloud the lens of the eye, and need to be removed (and the lens replaced) to improve clarity and contrast. Age-related macular degeneration destroys the macula (located at the center of the retina) and reduces central vision.

In addition, LASIK surgery doesn’t prevent presbyopia – that dreaded harbinger of middle age that brings along with it the need for reading glasses. If you had LASIK surgery before the age of 40, bet on another pair of glasses for reading and other fine detail work sometime in your 40s or 50s.

The American Optometric Association recommends eye exams every two years from ages 18 to 59—more often if there are pre-existing conditions or a family history of eye disease. From age 60 onward, get an eye exam annually. Catching the early onset of a condition or disease can mean better treatment and better outcomes.

Your New York LASIK surgeon wants the best for your eyes in all stages of your life. You’ve made the investment in LASIK surgery: now make sure that investment pays off. Comprehensive eye care is the key to maintaining your good health and good eyesight.

Find out more about New York LASIK surgery by getting in touch with 5th Avenue Eye Center. Dr. Ilan Cohen is ready to help you eliminate those uncomfortable contact lenses and thoroughly examine your eyes for early signs of trouble. Schedule a free consultation today!
 

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by S. E. Davidson Parker

“FORE!!
“Straight down the middle
It went straight down the middle
Then it started to hook just a wee, wee bit
That’s when my caddie lost sight of it
That little white pellet has never been found to this day
But it went straight down the middle like they say.”

 (“Straight Down the Middle”; Writers: Sammy Cahn, Jimmy Van Heusen; Artist: Bing Crosby)

Nothing quite touts the emergence of spring as those four lovely letters, “FORE!”, projected across a verdant field on a clear, sunny day. Short sleeves and nine irons abound, without a hint of rain anywhere in the sky. Good thing, too, because those glasses have to get wiped down at every shot. And you have to yell it a bit too often, because you can’t aim as well when you forget to put in your contact lenses. Isn’t it time you made your game, and your life, a bit more convenient by visiting your New Jersey LASIK surgeon?

LASIK surgery is one of the best and safest gifts you can give your eyes – and your golf game. Relatively quick and painless and with very few, if any, long term side effects, just take a gander at this brief list of professional golfers who have had LASIK surgery:

• Vijay Singh
• Tom Kite
• Pat Hurst
• Hale Irwin
• Former wunderkind (now all grown up) Tiger Woods

LASIK for Golfers

LASIK surgery isn’t going to single-handedly help you win the green jacket or get your name on the front page of the sports section. Sorry, you’ll still need to dedicate your life to that little white ball to achieve that goal. But what about all the other things LASIK will help you with?

• Seeing the alarm clock when you first wake up
• Not having to worry about forgetting to pack your glasses case or contact cleaner

LASIK is a rather straightforward surgery, as surgeries go.

• You’re numbed up.
• The LASIK surgeon creates a flap on your cornea and moves it to the side.
• A laser hones in and contours your cornea to get the best possible refraction for you.
• The flap is replaced, and voila! You’re done.

Of course, this is very simplified. Each patient, and consequently each patient’s surgery, is different depending on size of refractive error, any prior eye issues, and overall health. Healing time varies, but most patients are cleared for possible eye damaging activities (think swimming without goggles or applying eye makeup) after two weeks.

Best of all, golf is considered a low risk sport; it’s one of the first things you can get back to after LASIK surgery, as long as you are cleared by your LASIK surgeon. Yes, it hurts like h&*% when you get hit by a golf ball (…don’t ask… but it wasn’t golf related… which makes it even more embarrassing…) The odds of a house that was built on a golf course being hit by a golf ball in a 10-year time span is about 0.9% (400 players a day, 365 days a year, for a total of 1,460,000 possible shots). You are much smaller than a house.

Talk with your New Jersey LASIK surgeon about what corrective refractive surgery options are available to you. A thorough exam, an approval (not guaranteed; no good LASIK surgeon will approve an ineligible patient), and a few days later, you can be hitting the links while leaving your glasses behind.

See you at the 19th hole!

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LASIK and the Military

Sirens go off – incoming! You roll out of bed and hit the floor. Wait. Gimme a minute… I gotta put my contacts in….

It’s not gonna happen; nowhere, at no time, are you going to be given a moment to find your glasses or put in your contacts during an emergency situation in the military. Many service members, especially those who have been on multiple combat deployments, are seeking the ease and reliability of NYC LASIK surgery.

In fact, the number of surgical candidates at military hospitals has led to an average three-to-four month backlog (at some military hospitals the wait can be up to six months). Some candidates have even opted to have LASIK surgery at a civilian eye surgery center in order to have better vision before deployment if they can’t get scheduled soon enough at a military hospital. Others simply want to have better vision before they even join the military.

Most people who wear contacts or glasses think about laser vision correction sooner or later. But better vision could make the difference between life and death for military, police, firefighters, and people with other dangerous careers. The U.S. Military, along with NASA, have embraced refractive surgery as well as Visian ICL implantable contact lenses for active duty military personnel. They prefer a surface ablation procedure such as PRK or LASEK for men and women who are bound for combat or in special operations. So, what does a potential armed services LASIK patient need to know?

Pre-Enlistment LASIK

Not every future service member who can get LASIK should get LASIK, and I’m not simply talking about being a good surgical candidate. Depending on your current prescription and your desired MOS (military occupation specialties – military lingo for ‘job description’), you may inadvertently LASIK yourself out of a future in the military.

Health requirements for joining the military (for both enlisted and officer ranks) are outlined in Department of Defense Instruction 6130.03, Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services, issued September 2011. (The U.S. Coast Guard, while technically under the auspices of the Department of Homeland Security, is also included in these regulations.) The requirements are detailed and extremely specific, and those for eye health and vision are no exception.

Let’s say you had successful LASIK surgery and currently meet the military vision requirements. Great, but you’re not out of the woods (and into the service) just yet. The exclusions for people who have already had corneal refractive surgeries performed with an excimer laser (LASIK, LASEK and PRK) start on page 12. There are quite a few reasons they still may not let you enlist. Here are a few of them:

• You had a refractive error greater than +8.0 or -8.0 diopters
• Your pre-surgery astigmatism exceeded 3.00 diopters
• Your laser vision correction surgery occurred less than 6 months ago
• There were complications, or you must use medications or ophthalmic solutions or wear sunglasses since your surgery
• Your post-surgical refraction in each eye is not stable

If you managed to get accepted into the armed service of your choice, having fully disclosed your previous LASIK refractive procedure, your vision and eye health will now be subjected to a new set of standards to determine which MOS’s you are eligible for.

LASIK in the Ranks

Once you’re in the military, LASIK and other refractive error corrective surgeries are covered by your medical insurance, at 100%, like all other procedures. LASIK surgery is offered at almost all large military hospitals, at both domestic and overseas bases. Military LASIK surgeons have performed tens of thousands of procedures, making military eye centers some of the busiest in the nation. In addition, they have participated in a number of important LASIK and eye health studies, both with the government and multiple universities. (It’s easier to keep track of patients and their progress when you can order them to show up as a job requirement!)

And it’s actually a wee bit easier to get LASIK once you’re in the military. The paperwork goes through a chain of command (outside of the medical realm) to check, check, and triple check that having LASIK surgery won’t make you ineligible for further service. Like any civilian job, the military doesn’t want to waste its money on training and education only to lose its investment.

Certain MOS’s, such as aviation and diving, get ‘bumped’ to the top of the list; better vision helps in those particular jobs, so those patients get first priority. Unfortunately, as of early 2013, those who are being deployed to a combat zone are not eligible to get ‘bumped.’ If LASIK is something you are considering, you might just want to start the process now.

As with all things military, verify your information, get it in writing, and get a signature. Rules and regulations change. and change often; keep yourself apprised of what is available to you and take advantage of it. LASIK surgery for military personnel is an investment in both your health and your career.

If you are thinking about joining the military some day and want to correct your vision ahead of time, make an appointment for a free consultation with Dr. Ilan Cohen to determine the best course of action for you. Dr. Cohen can offer you ALL vision correction options, not just NYC LASIK/PRK. Be the best that you can be with 20/20 vision or better! Get started today.
 

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How Much Does New York LASIK Cost?

When you’re shopping for LASIK, it’s natural to compare providers based on the price. But the price is not the only thing to consider. Is all LASIK the same? The answer is definitely NO! So, what you should be looking for? Which factors are the most important? How should you decide?

Before making your decision based on New York LASIK cost alone, arm yourself with the facts and make sure you are comparing apples with apples. You’ll have to live with the surgery results, good or bad, for the rest of your life, so it’s important to make a smart decision.

Here are the most critical factors to think about in order of their importance:

#1: The Surgeon

The surgeon’s skill level and experience is the biggest contributing factor to the success of your surgery and to your overall satisfaction. The job of the surgeon is not limited to the surgical procedure itself. The surgeon makes decisions regarding the exact type of the procedure, the safety of the procedure for each individual person, and the equipment that will deliver the sharpest vision in the safest manner. He will also need to discuss with you what you should expect after the surgery. Look for a surgeon who is a “fellowship trained cornea specialist”.

This is where you’ll need to be cautious. Many ophthalmologists will claim to be “cornea”, “refractive” or “LASIK” specialists when, in reality, they have had no formal cornea fellowship training whatsoever. Ask this question when making an appointment: “Does the Doctor perform corneal transplant procedures?” Cornea transplants define a cornea specialist – if your surgeon doesn’t do them, then he/she is NOT a cornea specialist.

Having LASIK done by a genuine cornea specialist will add to your New York LASIK cost, but will ultimately pay off in better visual results and safety. Cornea specialists who perform LASIK surgery excel at determining who is and is not a good LASIK candidate, reducing the chances of LASIK complications. An inexperienced LASIK surgeon is not a bargain. If you can’t afford the best available surgeon, the smart decision may be to put off LASIK surgery until you can.

#2: Technology

LASIK technology has changed significantly over the past 10 years. There are three main laser platform technologies and each carries with it specific risks and benefits. The laser technology you and your surgeon select will affect your New York LASIK cost, but it is something you should carefully consider. Taking a big risk with your eyesight just to save money is not a wise choice.

• Allegretto Wavelight – This is the newest laser on the market and it has advanced features that improve treatment for astigmatism and minimize glare and haloes in higher prescriptions. It is the leader of the pack. (This is the laser that Dr. Cohen uses in more than 90% of his cases.) It is designed to preserve your cornea’s aspheric shape in a way that older lasers cannot. This state-of-the-art technology may increase your New York LASIK cost, but your vision will reap the rewards from its exceptional precision. The Allegretto Wavelight laser is the fastest and most accurate LASIK system available in the U.S. today.
• VISX S4 – This is the most commonly-used laser machine in the USA. It is 15-year-old technology that has undergone a series of upgrades in the last few years. (Think of it as upgrading the CPU, the memory and other features on your old desktop PC.) It’s a good laser, but has limited success in treatment of astigmatism and may induce glare and haloes when not in the “wavefront” mode (which cannot be used in all patients). It is the laser of choice for patients with certain rare corneal conditions (e.g., PTK, or phototherapeutic keratectomy, for recurrent corneal erosion, etc.).
• Nidek Laser – This laser is the cheapest choice since it has no click fee (the fee that must be paid to the laser manufacturer for each use of the laser) and is also significantly less costly to buy. The results of the treatment can vary from person to person and, overall, are not as accurate due to the age of this technology.

#3: Type of Procedure: LASIK/IntraLASIK/PRK

Depending on the exact type of procedure you need, some factors may add to your New York LASIK cost (like an additional laser machine for IntraLASIK). Each type of procedure is slightly different and best-suited to certain patients, and costs will vary between them. Your LASIK surgeon will explain the procedures; be sure you understand your options and the reasons why your doctor is recommending one procedure over another.

So, how much does New York LASIK cost?

New York LASIK cost and costs in the greater Tri-state area generally vary between $1,000 and $3,000 per eye, depending on all of the factors mentioned above. According to the research firm Market Scope, the average price for LASIK in 2012 in the U.S. is about $1,950 per eye.

How much does Dr. Cohen charge for LASIK? On average, our price is between $2,250 and $2,750 per eye. This price includes all pre-op testing and all of the office visits before and after the procedure. We offer financing and you can use your flexible spending dollars towards the cost of the procedure. Keep in mind that New York LASIK cost is lower than what you would spend over time on contact lenses, glasses, and eye exams when the procedure is properly done.

I often see offers like $499/eye? Can those prices be true?

No. No one can offer you LASIK or a similar refractive procedure for that price. The reason is simple: $499 is below what it actually costs the doctor to perform the LASIK surgery. Discount or “cheap LASIK” centers sometimes offer LASIK at misleadingly low prices but, in the end, your New York LASIK cost will be much higher than the advertised price. These offers are only “bait and switch” tactics to lure you in to inexperienced and/or unaccomplished surgeons. Once they have you interested, you will find out the real price.

Will my health insurance cover LASIK?

Only a few health insurance plans will cover your LASIK surgery fully as a benefit. However, many vision plans will give you a significant discount toward the procedure. Please talk to our surgical coordinator to get more information about your specific insurance plan and what you can expect. We will explain your insurance coverage and your payment options to help you with your New York LASIK cost.

If you have any questions at all about New York LASIK cost or simply want to learn more about LASIK and other laser vision correction options in Manhattan, Glendale NY, the greater New York area, or Old Bridge, New Jersey and surrounding cities, we welcome you to email us, call (212) 764-2020 or (866) 731-3937, or visit us in person.

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What Will I Pay for LASIK in New Jersey?

LASIK is the most popular laser eye surgery performed today and is very popular with New Jersey residents. None of us wants to pay too much for it, but it’s important to remember that we’re talking about microsurgery on our eyes! LASIK is a service, not a product. Are you willing to risk your eyesight to a corner-cutting, inexperienced LASIK surgeon? Should you just go with the lowest LASIK eye surgery cost NJ and hope for the best?

Consider how much time you spend finding a good mechanic to fix the terrible noise your BMW is making. Do you let the guy down the street, who claims to know what he’s doing, work on it simply because he’s cheap? Or do you look for someone who’s certified to work on BMWs, who knows your make and model, who has modern equipment, and who comes highly recommended?

Every LASIK surgeon will perform LASIK surgery differently using his or her own special skills, training, experience level, and laser equipment. LASIK eye surgery cost NJ will also vary regionally. If you choose a LASIK doctor based on price alone, you may never forgive yourself if something goes wrong.

Average Prices for LASIK Eye Surgery Cost NJ

The average price in the U.S. for LASIK surgery is $1,950 per eye according to the research firm Market Scope. In general, for the most advanced procedures, expect your LASIK eye surgery cost NJ with Dr. Cohen to be between $2,250 and $2,750 per eye. The newest, most precise laser on the market is the Allegretto Wavelight laser, and this is the laser that Dr. Cohen uses in more than 90% of his cases. Dr. Cohen’s price includes all pre-op testing and all of the office visits before and after the procedure. We offer financing and you can use your flexible spending dollars towards the cost of the procedure.

Your LASIK eye surgery cost NJ will depend on the condition of your eyes and which type of surgery will work best for you  (LASIK, LASEK, PRK, IntraLASIK, etc.). Other factors that will influence the price of your surgery include: the magnitude of your prescription, the presence of astigmatism, corneal thickness,  and other factors related to the overall condition of your eyes.

What to Look for in your LASIK Center

Unfortunately, price does not equal quality. Your LASIK eye surgery cost NJ does not, in any way, indicate anything about its safety or what results you can expect to get from your surgery. Some of the best LASIK surgeons will be able to offer you very affordable prices, while some of the least qualified surgeons will mislead you by charging high prices. Sometimes low prices are an indication of low quality, so cost should never be your only consideration.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the top New Jersey LASIK eye surgeons are out of your price range. The bottom line is that you want to find a highly-qualified, experienced NJ LASIK surgeon who uses the latest laser technology. Here are some major things to evaluate:

• LASIK experience

  All LASIK surgeons are not created equal. Some of them, like Dr. Ilan Cohen of 5th Avenue Eye Center, have many years of experience with laser vision correction and laser technology, and have performed over 10,000 successful LASIK procedures. Others are new in the field and have little experience. Question each of your LASIK NJ surgery candidates about his or her level of experience. Don’t just go with the lowest LASIK eye surgery cost NJ and let them practice their skills on you.

• Laser technology

  Make sure your LASIK surgeon is knowledgeable about the latest LASIK technology and has the most up-to-date laser equipment. Be suspicious, for example, if your New Jersey LASIK surgeon says you are NOT a good candidate for wavefront LASIK. Ask for a wavefront analysis anyway. And ask if Intralase (bladeless or blade-free LASIK) is available, if needed, to decrease the risk associated with the LASIK flap. If they say you don’t need these things, you will know the surgeon is technologically behind the times. Go elsewhere.

• Get a thorough examination

  The New Jersey LASIK surgeons you interview should provide you with a complete evaluation to assess your unique vision problems and determine your options. Quite often, your initial consultation will be free of charge. Keep in mind that you may not be a good candidate for LASIK for several reasons, including extreme nearsightedness and cataracts. A highly-qualified LASIK surgeon will be able to offer you a multitude of other procedures such as Visian ICL Implantable Contact Lenses, or a lens replacement surgery, such as ReSTOR, ReZoom, TECNIS or Crystalens to improve your vision.

• Testimonials

  Satisfied patients never hesitate to recommend their LASIK surgeon to others. Find out what other patients think about the services they received from the LASIK surgeon you’re interviewing. Referrals from respected colleagues are another good indicator that you have found the right doctor for your LASIK surgery. Dr. Ilan Cohen receives referrals from LASIK surgeons across the nation, and dozens of doctors and laser eye surgery specialists have chosen him to treat their own and their family members’ eyes.

• Financing your LASIK Eye Surgery Cost NJ

  Ask a lot of questions. You may be surprised to find that many of the very best LASIK surgeons offer financing options (often at 0% interest) to fit into your budget and allow you to have the LASIK surgery you always wanted. 5th Avenue Eye Center works with all patients to find financial solutions to meet their needs and make the LASIK eye surgery cost NJ more bearable.

Discount LASIK Myths

Don’t be deceived by the promise of a ridiculously low LASIK eye surgery cost NJ. Read more about misleading LASIK surgery “bait and switch” tactics to understand how these discount centers hide their eligibility requirements and fail to disclose the cost of “extra” services (consultation, follow-up care, etc). Most of the time, these add-on charges will result in your paying as much, or more, than the fees charged by well-known, highly-respected, experienced LASIK surgeons. And it can be dangerous! Don’t sacrifice your eyesight for low LASIK eye surgery cost NJ.

Why 5th Avenue Eye Center?

Dr. Ilan Cohen is one of the most experienced and trusted LASIK surgeons in the United States. He uses the most modern technology and can evaluate what the best LASIK procedure will be for your unique eyes.

He has performed more than 10,000 laser eye surgery procedures, including LASIK. After obtaining his medical degree, Dr. Cohen completed a unique Cornea and Refractive Surgery fellowship at the renowned Vanderbilt University Hospital, which means he is highly skilled in all aspects of cornea and refractive surgeries. In addition, Dr. Cohen has trained hundreds of laser eye surgeons through his teaching position at the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming that all of the best New Jersey LASIK surgeons are too expensive or that you can’t afford it. Your LASIK eye surgery cost NJ can be surprisingly affordable at 5th Avenue Eye Center.

In addition to our offices in Old Bridge, New Jersey (Middlesex County) and the greater central New Jersey area, 5th Avenue Eye Center also has locations in Manhattan, NYC, and Glendale (Queens), New York.

Consider one of the top New Jersey LASIK surgeons – schedule your appointment today!

We always welcome your calls at (212) 764-2020 or (866) 731-3937!

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Caveat emptor; buyer beware! That’s pretty standard operating procedure these days. We have a mechanic check out the used car we want to buy, hire a house inspector before closing the deal on real estate, but what do we do when choosing a doctor; more particularly, a LASIK or cataract surgeon? Eye surgery requires a high degree of skill and continuous training to maintain the greatest knowledge in this ever-evolving field. How can you research your eye surgeon to know if the one you’ve chosen has had any problems?

Ways to Research your Eye Surgeon

Ophthalmologists are physicians who specialize in comprehensive eye and vision care. They are the only eye care practitioners medically trained to diagnose and treat the full range of eye and visual problems. They can prescribe glasses and contacts, provide treatment and manage prevention of medical disorders of the eye, and perform all types of surgery. You can verify your eye doctor’s credentials with the American Board of Ophthalmology, or call them at (610) 664-1175.

Another source of board certification for any medical specialist is the American Board of Medical Specialties. You’ll have to register on the site, but the information is freely available. You may also call them at 1-866-ASK-ABMS (275-2267).

You could also check to see if that doctor is affiliated with your insurance company; let them do the initial prescreening for you. Insurance companies are concerned with the bottom line. Associating with a doctor who is known to have prior problems, be it in licensure, malpractice, or administrative discipline, is a potential liability that most insurance companies are not willing to bet on.

Then check your state’s medical licensure board. The Federation of State Medical Licensing Boards has a list of the licensure websites for all 50 states, Puerto Rico, District of Columbia, Northern Marianas, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Simply follow the instructions from each state (territory) to find the licensing information on your doctor in that particular state. If your doctor practices in multiple states, you may need to check each state’s licensing board for information.

Unfortunately, these state websites aren’t standardized. Some are updated regularly, others not; disciplinary action is defined and reported differently by each state; and a few states only maintain the information for a certain period of time, letting some information age out, unbeknownst to the consumer.

Other Sources of Information

There are multiple websites out there that help track both professional licensure information and consumer reviews. Popular sites are:

• American Medical Association-a professional organization that requires doctors who join to “adhere to the AMA’s Principles of Medical Ethics “;
• Healthgrades-a consumer review site that also offers doctors and hospitals the opportunity to buy advertising space;
• Ucomparehealth-provides doctor, hospital, and nursing home reports that may have large gaps in information depending on what information can be mined from state sources. Also contains consumer reviews. (Dr. Cohen is listed in New Jersey.)

What About Internet Reviews?

Checking someone using an internet search engine can be a mixed bag; a very mixed bag. Same names, wrong information, and a variety of other data messes can give you a negative impression that may not be deserved. In addition, anyone can start a blog discussing how horrible a particular doctor (lawyer, hairdresser, you name it) is. Seriously, the blogs are out there. Dancing along the fine line between free speech and libel, there are some people out there whose sole goal (it seems) is to complain about that provider. It may be true. It may be false. Just keep that in mind.
On the flip side, many companies hire people to write positive commentary across multiple websites on the internet, giving you a false positive impression. It’s a lucrative business and an easy way for a practitioner to inflate their public image. Check the style of writing among the sites and the actual reviews themselves; phrasing, vocabulary, and style too close for comfort? There’s a reason for it.

The Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 established the National Practitioners Data Bank to help track errant doctors. Many state registries only have information regarding a doctor in that particular state. Doctors move, for a variety of reasons, just like the general population. However, there are a small percentage of doctors who move out of one state because of disciplinary action into another state; this doctor then appears to have a “clean slate” to perspective patients in the new state. Sometimes, the action against a doctor’s license is serious, as in the case of Doctor Jayant Patel, who moved from New York, to Oregon, to Australia, all the while earning multiple sanctions and simply moving while patients in his “new” practices were none the wiser.

Now here’s the problem for consumers; we can’t directly access a particular doctor in the National Practitioners Data Base. So here’s what you do; ask the doctor to do a self-query. Don’t be shy; if the doctor refuses, that tells you something right there.

Do Your Homework

Cataract and LASIK vision correction surgery are big steps; you are handing over your eyesight to the physician you select. Make sure you do your due diligence by verifying the information given to you. As the Russian proverb made popular by Ronald Reagan states, “Trust, but verify.” Your eyes will thank you for it!

Get in touch with 5th Avenue Eye Center for more information about cataract and LASIK surgery, as well as other laser vision correction procedures. Click this link to check out Dr. Ilan Cohen’s credentials.
 

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They Call It “Bilateral Simultaneous LASIK”

The decision’s been made; the glasses are going in the donation box. The cost of LASIK is quite reasonable, and you’re ready for the surgery. Question is: Should you get LASIK on both eyes at once, or do it one eye at a time?

Having LASIK surgery done on both eyes at the same time, known as bilateral simultaneous LASIK, appears to be a good choice. It makes the already reasonable LASIK costs even more reasonable by reducing total medical costs (compared to two separate surgeries). It cuts post-operative recovery time in half, meaning less time away from work. It eliminates the need for you to temporarily wear a contact lens in one eye between surgeries. But, is that enough of a bonus?
 

What does the FDA say?

The FDA suggests (but does not outright recommend) that patients should wait between LASIK surgeries. However, the potential risks, which are limited to a very small percentage of patients, may outweigh the positive aspects of having both eyes corrected at the same time.

The primary reason for the FDA’s opinion is so that your surgeon can determine how your eye (and your body) reacts to the surgery. Was it successful? Were you the one-in-a-million patient that it unexpectedly did not work for? Did the eye over-respond, transforming your nearsightedness into farsightedness?

If you get an infection in one eye, it can easily be transferred to the other eye since the surgeon will use the same microkeratome and blade in both eyes. Most importantly, how will your eye heal? Much can be learned from the first surgery, and the knowledge can be applied to improve patient comfort during and after the second surgery. Risks increase during the post-operative period, when your doctor isn’t monitoring you constantly.

The FDA also discusses the issue of temporary sight reduction. Having both eyes done simultaneously, means you may not be able to see clearly. Granted, this could be a short-term side-effect, and an annoying one. But it may also create a safety issue.

The bottom line is that you will have to consider whether or not you’re comfortable with subjecting both eyes to potential complications or vision loss at the same time, no matter how small the risk.

Confer with your LASIK Surgeon

Ultimately, this is a decision between you and your ophthalmologist. Your medical history and current health will be the deciding factor on how and when, or even if, you can proceed with LASIK surgery. There are a great deal of “what ifs” to consider. Since its FDA approval in 1998, LASIK surgery has become safer and more effective than ever before. In addition, costs have come down, making LASIK more affordable than you might think. Feel free to discuss this and all issues with your doctor; your eyes deserve it!

Dr. Ilan Cohen, one of the best New York LASIK surgeons, has conveniently located offices in Manhattan, Glendale (Queens) and Old Bridge, NJ. Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Cohen to discuss your options, including whether or not you should have LASIK on both eyes at once.

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