Why do people have refractive surgery?
This is what our patients tell us:
- "My eyeglasses fog up in the winter."
- "I heard a child's scream from the water at the shore and couldn't see if it was my child."
- "I'm tired of wearing glasses/contact lenses."
- "I can't wear my contact lenses any more. They're uncomfortable."
- "I can't see my toes in the shower"/"I can't see my alarm clock."
- ... lots more.
What is refractive surgery, and should you consider having it done?
Laser Vision Correction treats patients with nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism and farsightedness (hyperopia). LASIK and PRK are the two laser procedures performed by Dr. Nachbar at South Jersey Eye Physicians. CK treats patients who struggle to read, yet have good far (distance) vision. In most cases, our modern techniques can achieve your vision goals. The decision to go forward is yours to make. At SJEYE, we believe in empowering our patients through education and by making the measurements that allow us to recommend the best options. |
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Read more about the refractive surgery options available at SJEYE:
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How do I learn more?
No one should have Refractive Surgery without understanding the full range of options. There are different procedures and each has its advantages & disadvantages. We feel that our primary mission is "patient education."
Prospective patients are encouraged to learn more about Laser Vision Correction. We suggest one of the following two options:
- Have a Free Screening by our Laser Vision Correction Coordinator. She will make measurements on your eyes and will explain Laser Vision Correction (LVC) to you. Call us at 1-800-EYESIGHT or 1-856-234-0201. E-mail us if you prefer.
- or -
- Come to a LASIK Seminar. These Free Seminars are designed to educate our prospective patients about different Refractive Surgery options - including LASIK, PRELEX, PRK/Epi-LASIK, Verisyse and CK. The seminars are offered every few weeks.
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What's next?
Your next step is to schedule an consultation with Dr. Nachbar for a detailed eye examination & discussion. Your pupils will be dilated in order to obtain the most precise measurements.
During this exam, you will explain your "visual goals" i.e. what greater visual function or visual freedom you wish to gain from having LASIK or INTACS. Dr. Nachbar needs to understand your goals in order to decide which procedure(s) have the highest chance of success. We'll explain your options - including their benefits, risks and potential complications. All your questions will be addressed.
When we're finished with your evaluation, you will be very well educated about your options for treating nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness. If you wish to schedule your LASIK or INTACS surgery, our LVC Coordinators will be happy to offer you a choice of dates.
Some patients prefer to wait before making a decision. Some choose to obtain a second opinion from another experienced refractive surgeon. Upon request, we will be happy to give you contact information for other surgeons in the region. We understand that this is an important decision for you and we will assist you in any way we can.
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LASIK Seminars
FREE LASIK/CK Forums
To reserve a space today, call our Refractive Surgery Coordinator, Donna, at:
856-234-0201
or
1-800-EYESIGHT
or e-mail
LASIK@sjeye.com |
Our free seminars are designed to educate our prospective patients about different Refractive Surgery options - including LASIK, PRK/Epi-LASIK and CK. The Refractive Surgery Department at SJEYE can help you find out if Laser Vision Correction (LASIK / PRK/Epi-LASIK) or CK may help you achieve your vision freedom goals. The seminars are offered every few weeks.
We invite you to attend an informational seminar given by Dr. James Nachbar at our Moorestown center.
This seminar is free and you are under no obligation by attending. Our goal is to give you the information you need to make an informed decision
We will answer important questions, such as:
- How effective is LASIK? How do you choose a LASIK surgeon?
- Why is it important for your LASIK surgeon to examine your eyes? hy is it important for your LASIK surgeon to examine your eyes? What difference is there between LASIK centers?
- What advantages are there to the Bausch & Lomb Flying Spot Laser?
- Is Refractive Surgery safe?
- Who is a candidate for LASIK?
- What's the difference between RK, PRK/Epi-LASIK, LASIK & CK?
- What questions should I ask my LASIK surgeon?
If you have ever wondered if you could see better without eyeglasses or contacts, then you should attend this seminar. At the seminar, you will meet people like yourself with active lifestyles or demanding jobs that can no longer depend on traditional vision correction alternatives.
Before and after the seminar, Dr. Nachbar will be available to personally answer any questions that you may have.
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PRELEX
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PRK/Epi-LASIK
How does PRK work?
» The excimer laser pulses reshape the corneal surface and exposed corneal stroma with great precision
» The central (refracting) surface flattens, correcting the nearsightedness & astigmatism |
PRK
PRK was the first excimer laser procedure introduced for treating nearsightedness and astigmatism.
PRK or photorefractive keratectomy is one of the safest and most time-tested laser vision correction procedures available. Like LASIK, it reshapes the cornea to improve vision.
In PRK the surgeon uses an excimer laser to vaporize a small amount from the top of the cornea. LASIK, by contrast, cuts a deep flap in the cornea using a sharp microkeratome blade. This weakens the cornea, makes it difficult to replace the flap in precisely the right place, and can cause other complications including flap irregularity, epithelial ingrowth and corneal ectasia. PRK avoids these risks.
Epi-LASIK
Introduced in 2000 by the inventor of LASIK, Epi-LASIK combines the best features of LASIK and PRK while reducing complications such as haze and halos, dry eye, loss of nerve sensitivity, post-operative pain, vision regression and continued need for eyewear. Like PRK, Epi-LASIK affects only the surface of the cornea. Like LASIK, it involves making a flap of corneal tissue to reduce pain.
During Epi-LASIK a blunt microkeratome smoothly separates the surface layer, or epithelium, from the cornea. This thin flap is what gives the procedure its name: "Epi" stands for the Greek word "Epipolis," meaning "superficial." This avoids complications associated with the deep stromal flaps of ordinary LASIK including flap irregularity, epithelial ingrowth and corneal ectasia. Also, using a microkeratome to create the flap preserves cell integrity better than the alcohol solution used in the LASEK procedure.
Next, a laser reshapes the surface of the cornea to improve vision. The epithelial flap is then replaced and covered with a protective contact lens. The flap heals in a few days with very little pain and without stitches.
Who may have PRK/Epi-LASIK?
Many nearsighted and astigmatic patients may be candidates for PRK/Epi-LASIK.
Patients with the following conditions and patients who are using the following medication are not suitable for PRK:
- AIDS
- Cancer treatment
- Corneal or other eye disease
- Cortisone treatment
- Diabetics (all cases)
- Dry eyes
- Immune suppressors
- Poor wound healing
- Unrealistic expectations
Patients Initially Inquiring About PRK/Epi-LASIK
No one should have PRK/Epi-LASIK without understanding all your options. Patients who express interest in PRK or LASIK are invited to have a Free Screening by our Refractive Surgery Coordinator. She will make measurements on your eyes and will explain Laser Vision Correction to you. If you "pass" this initial screening and wish to proceed, you will be scheduled to meet with Dr. Nachbar for a detailed examination & Refractive Surgery discussion. PRK/Epi-LASIK or LASIK may be scheduled at this time. Our Refractive Surgery Coordinator will be happy to offer you a choice of dates.
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Verisyse
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What is CK?
Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) is the first non-laser procedure for baby boomers who have had clear vision all their life, but now struggle to see life's details with glasses. The FDA has approved the use of CK to treat presbyopia (loss of near vision associated with aging).
CK is a safe, minimally invasive alternative to laser procedures. It's ideal for people over 40, because it enjoys a high success rate and market research has shown that safety is the most important factor in their decision to undergo vision correction surgery.
Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) can help restore your vision, allowing you to see clearly like you might have seen 10 years ago. It's an exciting new advancement in vision correction because it uses radiofrequency (RF) energy instead of a laser to treat your vision problem.
- No cutting - helps minimize side effects and speed recovery
- Convenient and safe - your doctor performs the procedure in his or her office
- Fast and easy - takes only 3 to 5 minutes and is virtually painless
How CK Works
Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) is a quick procedure with no cutting involved. You don't even have to go to an outpatient surgery center. In just three minutes, a doctor can perform CK in his or her office. CK can change how the eye focuses light by reshaping the surface of your eye (cornea). When the shape is changed, light can be refocused on the correct part of your eye (retina). To produce this reshaping, CK uses the controlled release of RF energy to heat and shrink corneal tissue. This steepens the cornea and allows light to properly focus on the retina again.
Are you a candidate for CK?
Three key questions to ask:
- Did you have great distance vision without glasses most of your life?
- Are you 40 years or older?
- Are you tired of your reading glasses?
If you meet the above criteria, call Donna to schedule a free screening - 856-234-0201 or 1-800-EYE-SIGHT.
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