Laser Vision Correction

Dr. Eric Shnayder offers you the most advanced laser vision correction techniques eliminating the need for eyeglasses and contact lenses.

The most common cause of blurry vision is a refractive error. This occurs when the light rays that enter the eye, passing through the cornea and lens, do not focus on the retina. This causes nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism. Dr. Shnayder diagnoses and treats these refractive errors with a high degree of accuracy & precision using state of the art equipment and surgical procedures. Refractive errors are corrected three ways: eyeglasses, contact lenses or with refractive surgery (LASIK or PRK). Refractive surgery uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea to better focus the incoming light.

Laser vision correction is surprisingly affordable. Most insurance and vision plans offer discounts. At our office, financing is also available. 

LASIK (laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis) is the most commonly performed and well known vision correction surgery.  Using an excimer laser, the eye doctor re-shapes the cornea (the stationary refractive element at the front of the eye) so that images are focused to the correct spot on the retina (the light receptor of the eye).  The success rate with this procedure is excellent, with most patients achieving 20/20 vision or better upon completion.

The LASIK procedure itself involves little or no discomfort (or pain) both during the procedure and through the recovery process.  The surgery takes about 5 to10 minutes per eye. Also, eyesight improvement is almost immediate, and maximum vision is typically achieved within a few days. Most patients feel comfortable enough with their vision to drive or return to work the day after surgery.

Reasons to Consider LASIK:                          

• Nearsightedness (myopia).
• Farsightedness (hyperopia).
• Astigmatism (irregularly shaped cornea).
• Desire to decrease or eliminate dependence on glasses or contacts.

What Is the LASIK Procedure?

During the procedure, the eye doctor first administers a local anesthetic via eye drops, so the patient will feel no pain during the surgery.  A speculum is then placed over the eye to prevent the patient from blinking.  Next, the eye surgeon cuts an extremely thin flap from the outer layer of the cornea, using a microkeratome (a small blade specially designed for

this purpose).  The flap is folded to the side, and the excimer laser, programmed with the individual map of the patient’s eye, removes excess tissue with quick pulses of concentrated light.  This process usually takes less than a minute.  Once this is done, the eye doctor folds the flap back into place and surgery is complete. Dr. Shnayder only performs blade free ILASIK with the VISX CustomVue excimer including Iris registration to provide the most accurate results for his patients.

LASIK Recovery

The patient may go home shortly after the procedure; however, someone else must drive or alternate transportation must be arranged.  Patients will be asked to get lots of rest, avoid any strenuous activities, and avoid rubbing the eye area for a period of time.  There are follow up appointments with the eye doctor 24 to 48 hours after the procedure and periodically over the following weeks and months.  Vision should dramatically improve in the first few days following surgery.  The patient often may return to work in a day or two, though it is best to take a few days off to ensure a smooth recovery.

Call us at 973-838-7722 to meet with Dr. Shnayder.