Edison, NJ Ophthalmologist Dr. Hitesh K. Patel on LASIK Vision Correction

July 9, 2010 - PRLog -- Edison, NJ - Eye surgery has advanced to such a level that ophthalmic surgeons are now able to correct astigmatism, farsightedness and nearsightedness by reshaping the cornea. This changes the way in which the eye refracts to light and corrects the vision problem.

LASIK is a type of laser eye surgery to improve vision. It changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering on the front of the eye. LASIK is a two-step process performed while the patient is awake. The surgeon creates a “flap” in the cornea, lifts the front of the cornea, and then reshapes the middle section with a special laser. The corneal flap is then returned in place.

Typically, people who have healthy eyes, but need glasses or contacts to see well, can benefit from LASIK. LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) is an outpatient surgical procedure used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. With LASIK, your ophthalmologist uses a microsurgical instrument and a laser to reshape the cornea in the front of the eye. This improves the way the eye focuses light rays onto the retina at the back of the eye.

LASIK will usually decrease your dependence on glasses and contacts and allow you to see well without correction at distance. Most people will see 20/20 after laser surgery. The goal of the laser is to allow you to see at least as well without glasses as you used to see with glasses. If you have LASIK to correct your distance vision, you'll probably still need reading glasses by around age 45, so it is important that you consider that LASIK may not give you perfect vision permanently.

People who want to rid their glasses for distance and reading can consider having ”monovision”, where one eye is set by the laser for distance, and the other is set for the reading vision. Although most people are very happy with this, it is important to know that depth perception may be compromised by monovision.

LASIK is not for everyone and only your doctor will advise you about certain conditions that may prevent you being a good candidate for this procedure. For example, the ideal candidate for LASIK is over 21 years of age, not pregnant or nursing, and free of any eye disease. You should not have had a change in your eye prescription in the last year, and should have a refractive error within the range of correction of LASIK.

LASIK is performed in a reclining chair in an outpatient surgical suite. First, the eye is numbed with a few drops of topical anesthetic. An eyeholder is placed between the eyelids to keep them open and prevent you from blinking.

A suction ring, placed on the eye lifts and flattens the cornea and helps keep your eye from moving. You may feel pressure from the eyelid holder and suction ring, similar to a finger pressed firmly on your eyelid. From the time the suction ring is put on the eye until it is removed, vision appears dim or goes black.

The MICROKERATOME, an automated microsurgical instrument, is attached to the suction ring. As the microkeratome blade moves across the cornea, you will hear a buzzing sound .The microkeratome stops at the preset point, far enough from the edge of the cornea to create a hinged flap of paper thin corneal tissue. The microkeratome and the suction ring are removed from the eye, and the flap is lifted and folded back. As the flap moves, your vision gets blurrier. The Laser, preprogrammed to your prescription is then centered above the eye.

While you stare at an overhead light, the laser sculpts the exposed corneal tissue. A clicking sound, made by the laser, can be heard during the procedure. After the laser has completed reshaping the cornea, the surgeon places the flap back into position and smoothes the edges. The flap adheres in position within two to three minutes.

For the right patients who have realistic expectations, LASIK can provide a wonderful way to see the world without glasses or contacts.

For more information on LASIK vision correction, visit www.pateleyeassociates.com or contact Patel Eye Associates at (732) 985-5009.

Dr. Hitesh K. Patel is the founder of "Patel Eye Associates" and "Patel Eye Care and Rehabilitation Foundation".

His practice focus is cataract and Lasik surgery. In addition, he treats diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma medically and with lasers. He also does routine eye exams. Dr. Patel has been in practice for 12 years in the Northeast.

Dr. Patel did his residency at UMDNJ and The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. His internship was completed at the The Crozer Chester Medical Center. Dr. Patel completed his medical degree at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia in 1993, and finished at the top his class. His undergraduate degree (B.S.) was done at The Pennsylvania State University in 1993, with distinction. Dr. Patel finished his high school as Valedictorian at Neshaminy High School in Pennsylvania.