Are you looking for a lasik surgeon in Albany? In general, you will find surgeons that fall into one of three groups. They may be affiliated with a teaching or research institution, such as Albany Medical College. Surgeons may also be part of a group practice. The third group is surgeons who have their independent practices.
A good place to start your search for a surgeon is online. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has a link on its home page to a site called 'Find an Eye M.D.' On this site, you can search for a lasik surgeon in Albany by entering 'Albany' in the city field. Select 'New York' as the state, and 'refractive surgery' as the specialty from a pull-down menu. While the Academy makes every effort to verify credentials before listing a surgeon on its website, it is always a good idea to independently verify these before making your choice. You can do this by speaking with the surgeon directly, and by asking your physician, family and friends about surgeons they might recommend.
A conscientious lasik surgeon will always evaluate whether you are a good candidate for lasik or not. This will depend in large part on the type of visual defect you have, and on the surgeon's expertise with different lasik techniques including custom lasik. Ideally, you should be 18 years or older, not pregnant or nursing, and free of any eye disease to undergo lasik. Next, the surgeon should discuss risks of surgery and possible complications, including under-correction or over-correction of your visual defect. Some people may also experience side effects of lasik surgery, such as dry eyes, hazy vision, glare, haloes and eye pain. These are usually transient. In a small number of patients, the eye may become infected and antibiotics may be required to treat the infection.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Lasik Rochester New York
The University of Rochester Medical Center is probably the largest local resource in the Rochester area for lasik surgeons. Its website has a useful 'Find a Provider' link to help you find eye surgeons who specialize in corneal surgery. Most of these surgeons are affiliated with the Strong Memorial Hospital. On the 'Find a Provider' link, you should select 'Ophthalmology' under specialty and 'Cornea/External Disease' under subspecialty. You will then get a list of surgeons with their contact information. You can also check their medical credentials and find out who is accepting new patients. Outside of the University of Rochester, there are a few group and independent practices.
While it is essential to choose a surgeon based on their level of experience and ability to perform the latest procedures, lasik is an expensive proposition for most people. Lasik is considered cosmetic surgery, and is therefore not covered under most health insurance plans. You can check with your employer if you are eligible to pay for lasik with pre-tax dollars through Flexible Spending Accounts. Alternatively, most hospitals and practices offer payment installment schemes. The cost for conventional lasik surgery at Strong Memorial Hospital's refractive surgery center is $ 1,900 per eye. Custom lasik is more expensive, costing approximately $ 2,400 per eye. These fees include follow-up visits up to one year. There is no re-treatment cost if you need additional surgery after custom lasik; the cost for re-treatment after conventional lasik is $ 200.
Over 90 percent of people who have lasik surgery report improved vision after surgery. While lasik treats corneal refractive errors, it cannot treat the visual deficits that result from the natural aging process. Presbyopia is a loss in the ability of the eye to focus, and is caused by age-related changes to the lens of the eye.
While it is essential to choose a surgeon based on their level of experience and ability to perform the latest procedures, lasik is an expensive proposition for most people. Lasik is considered cosmetic surgery, and is therefore not covered under most health insurance plans. You can check with your employer if you are eligible to pay for lasik with pre-tax dollars through Flexible Spending Accounts. Alternatively, most hospitals and practices offer payment installment schemes. The cost for conventional lasik surgery at Strong Memorial Hospital's refractive surgery center is $ 1,900 per eye. Custom lasik is more expensive, costing approximately $ 2,400 per eye. These fees include follow-up visits up to one year. There is no re-treatment cost if you need additional surgery after custom lasik; the cost for re-treatment after conventional lasik is $ 200.
Over 90 percent of people who have lasik surgery report improved vision after surgery. While lasik treats corneal refractive errors, it cannot treat the visual deficits that result from the natural aging process. Presbyopia is a loss in the ability of the eye to focus, and is caused by age-related changes to the lens of the eye.
Lasik Surgery Upstate New York
Before considering lasik surgery, it helps to know what treatment options are available and what their individual benefits may be. In addition to conventional lasik surgery used to treat common refractive errors, there are several other types of corneal refractive surgery available today. Epi-lasik is very similar to conventional lasik, but uses different equipment that is effective in treating people with thin corneas. Other procedures that are used for people with thin corneas are photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, and laser epithelial keratomileusis or lasek. Conductive keratoplasty is a non-invasive procedure to treat farsightedness in people over 40. It is best to discuss the right type of procedure to correct a particular refractive error with a physician or eye doctor.
In addition to understanding surgical options, it also helps to research the availability and skill of lasik surgeons. Ask family, friends or co-workers who have undergone lasik recently for recommendations. Physicians can also provide referrals. The Internet is an extremely useful tool for this kind of research. Nearby medical research or academic institutions may also be worth contacting. Once a shortlist is drawn up, find out if a surgeon is fellowship-trained in treating refractive errors. A good surgeon should have lots of experience performing the type of surgery needed, and should be able to help their patients understand what lasik entails. Surgeons with access to advanced corneal scanning and imaging systems may be able to obtain better results.
There are several cities with lasik surgeons in the upstate New York area. Some of these surgeons teach and conduct research in area medical schools and may therefore be knowledgeable about recent advancements in lasik surgery. Some institutions with surgeons who are trained in lasik surgery include Albany Medical College, the University of Rochester Eye Institute, and the State University of New York's (SUNY) Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse.
In addition to understanding surgical options, it also helps to research the availability and skill of lasik surgeons. Ask family, friends or co-workers who have undergone lasik recently for recommendations. Physicians can also provide referrals. The Internet is an extremely useful tool for this kind of research. Nearby medical research or academic institutions may also be worth contacting. Once a shortlist is drawn up, find out if a surgeon is fellowship-trained in treating refractive errors. A good surgeon should have lots of experience performing the type of surgery needed, and should be able to help their patients understand what lasik entails. Surgeons with access to advanced corneal scanning and imaging systems may be able to obtain better results.
There are several cities with lasik surgeons in the upstate New York area. Some of these surgeons teach and conduct research in area medical schools and may therefore be knowledgeable about recent advancements in lasik surgery. Some institutions with surgeons who are trained in lasik surgery include Albany Medical College, the University of Rochester Eye Institute, and the State University of New York's (SUNY) Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse.
Lasik Utica New York
More and more people are opting for lasik to correct visual defects that cause blurred vision, such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism. By reshaping the cornea of the eye, lasik helps make vision clearer and removes the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Lasik is an outpatient surgical procedure, meaning there is minimal recovery time. A few drops of local anesthetic are used to anesthetize the surface of the eye before surgery. The eye is held open with a device called a speculum, which holds the eye open during surgery and prevents blinking. There may be transient pain, blurring of vision, dryness and a foreign body sensation in the eye after surgery.
Benefits of lasik include improved eyesight, convenience and cosmetic appearance. Vision is usually better than with eyeglasses or contact lenses. One doesn't have to deal with cumbersome eyeglasses or contact lenses any more. However, a small percentage of people who undergo lasik report a worsening of vision, reduced night vision, light sensitivity or halos. The majority of these side effects disappear in the weeks following lasik. If they persist, the surgeon who performed the surgery should be informed for appropriate follow-up.
Eye surgery, and advanced lasik treatment in particular, needs a high level of skill and training. Patients should research all options available in their area and seek recommendations from people who have undergone the same type of procedure they are considering. While lasik surgeons located in Utica are not currently listed on the American Academy of Ophthalmology's 'Find an Eye M.D.' website, local area physicians may be able to refer patients to good surgeons in the area. Other options are to look for surgeons in nearby cities. The State University of New York's (SUNY) Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse offers lasik surgery, and may be one place to start.
Lasik is an outpatient surgical procedure, meaning there is minimal recovery time. A few drops of local anesthetic are used to anesthetize the surface of the eye before surgery. The eye is held open with a device called a speculum, which holds the eye open during surgery and prevents blinking. There may be transient pain, blurring of vision, dryness and a foreign body sensation in the eye after surgery.
Benefits of lasik include improved eyesight, convenience and cosmetic appearance. Vision is usually better than with eyeglasses or contact lenses. One doesn't have to deal with cumbersome eyeglasses or contact lenses any more. However, a small percentage of people who undergo lasik report a worsening of vision, reduced night vision, light sensitivity or halos. The majority of these side effects disappear in the weeks following lasik. If they persist, the surgeon who performed the surgery should be informed for appropriate follow-up.
Eye surgery, and advanced lasik treatment in particular, needs a high level of skill and training. Patients should research all options available in their area and seek recommendations from people who have undergone the same type of procedure they are considering. While lasik surgeons located in Utica are not currently listed on the American Academy of Ophthalmology's 'Find an Eye M.D.' website, local area physicians may be able to refer patients to good surgeons in the area. Other options are to look for surgeons in nearby cities. The State University of New York's (SUNY) Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse offers lasik surgery, and may be one place to start.
New York City Lasik Surgery
New York City is one of the leading centers for lasik eye surgery and research on refractive errors in the United States. Eye surgeons require specialized training and equipment to perform lasik; it is therefore important to find an experienced and skilful surgeon.
A good way to locate a good lasik surgeon is to consult your physician or to talk with family and friends. Academic and research institutions in New York City, such as Mount Sinai Hospital and the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, are world-renowned for their expertise in eye surgery including lasik. Your health care plan may list ophthalmologists that are covered under your plan. While using such list is a starting point, it pays to independently research a surgeon's credentials.
There are several Internet resources to help you find the right lasik surgeon. The American Academy of Ophthalmology website has an excellent 'Find an Eye M.D.' link designed specifically to help the general public locate a surgeon in their area. You can search by city, state, country and specialty; be sure to select 'New York' as the city and state and 'refractive surgery' as the specialty. Once you accept the site's terms of use and disclaimer, you will be directed to a list of eye surgeons in New York city. Clicking on any of their names will give you information on their practice focus, current professional activities, board certification, medical training and offices.
The eventual choice of a surgeon will depend on factors such as the surgeon's experience and track record, cost of the procedure, and the type of condition you have. While cost does matter, it should not be the only criterion you use to decide. A surgeon's experience in performing the type of surgery you need, and the availability of appropriate equipment and safe procedures, are far more important than cost to ensure a good outcome."
A good way to locate a good lasik surgeon is to consult your physician or to talk with family and friends. Academic and research institutions in New York City, such as Mount Sinai Hospital and the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, are world-renowned for their expertise in eye surgery including lasik. Your health care plan may list ophthalmologists that are covered under your plan. While using such list is a starting point, it pays to independently research a surgeon's credentials.
There are several Internet resources to help you find the right lasik surgeon. The American Academy of Ophthalmology website has an excellent 'Find an Eye M.D.' link designed specifically to help the general public locate a surgeon in their area. You can search by city, state, country and specialty; be sure to select 'New York' as the city and state and 'refractive surgery' as the specialty. Once you accept the site's terms of use and disclaimer, you will be directed to a list of eye surgeons in New York city. Clicking on any of their names will give you information on their practice focus, current professional activities, board certification, medical training and offices.
The eventual choice of a surgeon will depend on factors such as the surgeon's experience and track record, cost of the procedure, and the type of condition you have. While cost does matter, it should not be the only criterion you use to decide. A surgeon's experience in performing the type of surgery you need, and the availability of appropriate equipment and safe procedures, are far more important than cost to ensure a good outcome."
New York Custom Lasik
Custom lasik is an extremely precise, individualized type of lasik eye surgery to correct visual defects that result from an imperfectly shaped cornea. First, three-dimensional measurements of how your eye processes and focuses light images are made. These measurements are then used to guide the laser during surgery. The technology used to guide custom lasik procedures is called wavefront technology.
Custom lasik offers certain advantages over conventional lasik surgery. Greatly improved precision means there is less of a chance that your specific visual defect will be under-corrected or over-corrected. Some recent studies indicate that people who undergo custom lasik may be more likely to have 20/20 vision or better after surgery. Custom lasik can be used to treat both so-called lower order refractive errors, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness, and higher-order errors. Higher-order errors include night vision disturbances, glare, halos and shadows. A downside of custom lasik is that people with thin corneas are often unable to have this procedure.
One way to find a good custom lasik surgeon in New York State is through academic and research centers such as teaching hospitals. The American Academy of Ophthalmology website also provides useful links. Keep in mind that custom lasik is more expensive than conventional lasik, in part because a fee is paid to the device manufacturer for each procedure. The average cost per eye is slightly under $2,000. However, cost may vary depending on the type of visual defect you have and the amount of surgery that may be required to correct it. Surgeons who use a newer and potentially safer technology called IntraLase may also have higher fees. IntraLase is laser that replaces the microkeratome or cutting device used in conventional lasik surgery. To learn more about custom lasik equipment approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), visit the FDA website."
Custom lasik offers certain advantages over conventional lasik surgery. Greatly improved precision means there is less of a chance that your specific visual defect will be under-corrected or over-corrected. Some recent studies indicate that people who undergo custom lasik may be more likely to have 20/20 vision or better after surgery. Custom lasik can be used to treat both so-called lower order refractive errors, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness, and higher-order errors. Higher-order errors include night vision disturbances, glare, halos and shadows. A downside of custom lasik is that people with thin corneas are often unable to have this procedure.
One way to find a good custom lasik surgeon in New York State is through academic and research centers such as teaching hospitals. The American Academy of Ophthalmology website also provides useful links. Keep in mind that custom lasik is more expensive than conventional lasik, in part because a fee is paid to the device manufacturer for each procedure. The average cost per eye is slightly under $2,000. However, cost may vary depending on the type of visual defect you have and the amount of surgery that may be required to correct it. Surgeons who use a newer and potentially safer technology called IntraLase may also have higher fees. IntraLase is laser that replaces the microkeratome or cutting device used in conventional lasik surgery. To learn more about custom lasik equipment approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), visit the FDA website."
New York Lasik Surgeons
Advertisements for lasik are everywhere these days. However, some are less informative than others. While a trained and experienced surgeon can perform lasik surgery with relative ease, an operation that goes wrong may result in permanent visual deficits that cannot be corrected by surgery, contact lens or eyeglasses. Lasik is also a rapidly advancing field; newer methods are constantly being developed to improve surgical outcomes and make vision as close to perfect as possible. It is therefore important to take one's time in finding a lasik surgeon who is skilled, experienced and up to speed on current advances.
A good way to find reliable surgeons in New York State is through hospitals with an academic or research focus, such as leading teaching hospitals. Academic centers that focus on eye conditions in particular will likely have surgeons with a great deal of experience and exposure to the newest methods. A surgeon who is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons will typically have gone through a thorough process of verifying credentials and training and will have the letters FACS after their name and professional qualifications. Searching the American Academy of Ophthalmology website for 'refractive surgery' is another way to locate a good surgeon.
Once a surgeon is identified, he or she should be willing to answer a patient's questions and to honestly address concerns related to lasik surgery. Specific questions to ask are how many procedures similar to the one you will undergo the surgeon has performed, and over what period of time. Ask about the percentage of patients who have a post-surgical visual acuity of 20/20 or better; about half of all lasik patients in most practices fall into this group. A good surgeon will usually be willing to provide patient references; it is a good idea to speak with someone who has had exactly the same procedure as you are planning before scheduling surgery.
A good way to find reliable surgeons in New York State is through hospitals with an academic or research focus, such as leading teaching hospitals. Academic centers that focus on eye conditions in particular will likely have surgeons with a great deal of experience and exposure to the newest methods. A surgeon who is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons will typically have gone through a thorough process of verifying credentials and training and will have the letters FACS after their name and professional qualifications. Searching the American Academy of Ophthalmology website for 'refractive surgery' is another way to locate a good surgeon.
Once a surgeon is identified, he or she should be willing to answer a patient's questions and to honestly address concerns related to lasik surgery. Specific questions to ask are how many procedures similar to the one you will undergo the surgeon has performed, and over what period of time. Ask about the percentage of patients who have a post-surgical visual acuity of 20/20 or better; about half of all lasik patients in most practices fall into this group. A good surgeon will usually be willing to provide patient references; it is a good idea to speak with someone who has had exactly the same procedure as you are planning before scheduling surgery.
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