LASIK Eye Surgery
LASIK Surgery Can Create Life-Changing Results
Our eye care specialists believe that proper patient education is of the utmost importance when a person is considering a medical procedure. Even though LASIK is a generally safe procedure that can be performed in a matter of minutes, it is still important to understand the benefits, risks, and complications associated with the surgery. Drs. Howard M. Levin, Vincent M. Imbrogno, Ravinder Sabherwal, and Emily Washek in Erie, PA, explain the benefits of LASIK, which include:
Fast Results
LASIK eye surgery yields immediate results that continue to improve as you heal. After having LASIK eye surgery, most patients are able to return to their normal activities within a day.Comfortable Procedure
LASIK eye surgery is comfortable and quick, and requires only a few days of downtime.Permanent Results
LASIK eye surgery can yield results that last a lifetime.
Complications occur in less than one percent of patients. The most common side effect is discomfort, which subsides a few days following the treatment.
Watch what happens during LASIK surgery...
Here's why so many patients are choosing refractive surgery...
Important & Impressive Post-LASIK Statistics
*According to the American Refractive Surgery Council
Can your vision problems be addressed with LASIK surgery?
Conditions Addressed with LASIK Include:
Nearsightedness (Myopia)
If you are one of the millions of Americans who struggle to clearly see objects that are far away, your condition may be treatable with LASIK.
Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
Patients who struggle to see close-up objects may also benefit from refractive surgery.
Astigmatism
If your corneas are unevenly curved and cause objects at various distances to look blurry, LASIK may help correct your astigmatism.
Would You Like to Experience Clearer Vision? Contact Our Skilled Team of Surgeons
If you want to see clearly without relying on prescription glasses and contact lenses, LASIK surgery may be right for you. The safe, state-of-the-art system can effectively correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Combined, our team has performed thousands of LASIK surgery procedures.
If you would like more information about LASIK surgery and if it's the right option for you, contact our practice online. You can also reach our office in Erie, PA, by phone.
Call Us Today
(814) 838-9555
"Treats patients with the utmost care and kindness." We Put Our Patients First
Jeremy O'Toole
2021
These folks are amazing! Dr. Imbragno did an awesome job!!!
View on GoogleGretchen Sargent
2020
Very friendly staff, treats patients with the utmost care and kindness.
View on GoogleLASIK Surgery Can Minimize Your Need for Contact Lenses or Glasses
Most patients talk to our ophthalmologists about LASIK surgery because they want to have clearer vision without wearing contacts or glasses. Because LASIK surgically refines the curvature of your cornea, it can provide increased or complete relief from the hassle, inconvenience, and cost of wearing corrective eyewear.
However, your condition is not the only factor that is considered...
Candidacy Factors for LASIK:
Age
You must be over 18 years old to undergo LASIK eye surgery.
Corneal Thickness
Patients with thin corneas will usually be recommended PRK or LASEK.
Ocular Health
You should be in good ocular health before LASIK surgery. Conditions such as corneal diseases and infection can increase your risk of complications.
General Health
As with any surgical procedure, you should be in good overall heath to qualify for LASIK.
Vision Stability
LASIK patients will need to have a stable prescription for over a year in order to qualify for surgery.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, hormone fluctuations can interfere with LASIK.
Pupil Size
Overly large pupils can increase your risk of developing halos, glare, or night vision issues.Is LASIK eye surgery safe?
Complications Are Rare
LASIK complications are exceptionally rare. According to the American Refractive Surgery Council, less than one percent of LASIK patients experience complications. While you may notice some side effects such as dry eye or halos, they are typically minor and temporary.
Our surgeons will thoroughly evaluate your candidacy and educate you about any and all potential complications and side effects of LASIK so that you can make an educated decision about your treatment. However, we usually highly recommend LASIK because of the procedure's reputation for safety and effectiveness.
How does LASIK work?
What type of technology is used at our Erie, PA, practice?
Alcon Allegretto Wave Eye-Q
Our doctors use the latest technology, including the Alcon Allegretto Wave® Eye-Q. This is designed to increase efficiency and precision with high-speed equipment and an eye tracker. The device hugs the curvature of your eye to deliver treatment that matches its exact specifications. The PerfectPulse Technology® allows for a greater level of control, tracking the movement of the eye and ensuring that each pulse is directed to the best position. The state-of-the-art precision technology maps out the unique qualities of your eye for a more accurate adjustment.
What should you expect the day of surgery?
The LASIK Procedure: Step by Step
Anesthesia
Dr. Levin and Dr. Washek will begin the procedure by administering drops to a patient’s eye to cleanse the surface and act as a topical anesthesia.Flap Creation
He or she can then use a special laser instrument to make a precise incision in the protective outer layer of the cornea, creating a thin flap that is folded back to expose the interior of the cornea.Reshape the Cornea
The doctor then uses concentrated pulses of light to correct the flaws in the shape of the cornea that are responsible for visual errors.How long does it take to recover from LASIK?
"Dr. Levin is a wonderful ophthalmologist and has taken great care of me for over 5 years. He did my LASIK procedure that significantly improved my quality of life." Leah Motzing (Sybriana) - 5 Star Review
Your LASIK Recovery
Immediately after LASIK surgery, your eyes begin healing. Within about two days, you should notice an improvement in your vision. While full recovery can take six months or longer, you can typically return to work one or two days after surgery. It is normal to experience some discomfort for the first few days or vision fluctuations for several weeks to months.
To protect your eyes, you should:
- Avoid rubbing your eyes
- Not submerge your eyes in water
- Take medications as instructed
- Wear your eyepatch
- Do not wear contacts during the initial recovery period
You will need to attend several follow-up appointments for about six months to monitor your progress. The first visit occurs the day after surgery, with a second visit the week after surgery. The frequency of additional follow-up visits will depend on your recovery progress.
More Information About LASIK
Revolutionary Eye Surgery
Are you tired of having to wear glasses or contacts? If so, LASIK may be right for you. At Contemporary Ophthalmology of Erie in Pennsylvania, not only do we strive to meet all of your vision care needs, but we make every effort to exceed your expectations, as well. Our team of doctors have more than 45 years of experience restoring patients’ vision and improving their quality of life. Their decades of technical training, participation in continuing education programs, and wealth of experience make them exceptionally qualified eye surgeons.
On average, LASIK surgery will cost around $2,000 per eye. During the consultation process, our eye surgeons can provide a price breakdown and review different payment options.
Conveniently located in Erie, PA, our office is easily accessible, spacious, and stocked with the latest advances in optical technology. Using state-of-the-art technology with the Alcon Allegretto Wave® Eye-Q, the doctors can restore your vision, freeing you from having to use traditional optical aids. Recognized as a leader and pioneer in ophthalmology in the Erie, PA, area, Dr. Levin in particular has had the privilege of working on a wide variety of optical cases at his practice in Pennsylvania, Cole Eye Institute in Cleveland, and Saint Vincent Surgery Center. Our eye care specialists have been achieving consistently excellent results through LASIK and PRK eye surgery since the procedures were introduced to the American public in the 1990s.
