• How is Lasik different from PRK?
• Am I a good refractive surgery candidate?
• Is Lasik safe?
• Is my doctor qualified?
• What kind of vision will I have after the procedure?
• Is Lasik approved by the FDA?
• What type of Laser does Associate Ophthalmologists and Refractive Surgeons use?
• Will my activities be restricted?
• Is there Pre-Op and Post-Op care?
How is Lasik different from PRK?
Prk treats the surface of the cornea with the Eximer laser, while Lasik treats the inner layers of the cornea. Because Lasik is done under a protective flap, there is less tissue to heal, less risk of scarring, less risk of corneal haze, less post-operative pain, less post-operative medications, and the vision often returns very rapidly. Lasik is also able to be used to treat higher amounts of refractive errors. Back to Questions
Am I a good refractive surgery candidate?
If you are at least 18 years old, in good general health and have good eye health with no serious eye diseases, then most likely the answer is yes. The eximer laser is able to treat a very broad range of refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The best way to find out for sure is to come into our office for a Lasik consultation. During this consultation you will meet either Dr. Rudick or Dr. Shepps. The doctor will talk to you about laser vision correction and examine your eye. This evaluation will confirm if you are a good candidate. It will also be a great opportunity for you to ask any questions that you may have and to get to know your surgeon. At Associate Ophthalmologists and Refractive surgeons, we feel strongly that you should have a very close relationship with your doctor. For that reason you will always be treated by our surgeons. Back to Questions
Is Lasik safe?
Like any medical procedure, Lasik has some risks, Because Lasik uses a Microkeratome to cut a flap, the results are more dependent on surgical experience than with PRK. Our doctors will give you a very detailed explanation of all the possible risks and complications prior to your having Lasik. Back to Questions
Is my doctor qualified?
Dr. Rudick and Dr. Shepps have performed thousands of laser procedures. Dr. Rudick has been listed in The Best Doctors in New York for the past three years and was recently featured in an article in the December issue of Town and Country Magazine Our entire office is committed to the highest quality patient care. We have a vast clinical experience and very impressive results. Every month, patients come from all around the world to have their laser vision procedure performed by us. We are proud of our results and will be happy to share them with you. What kind of vision will I have after the procedure? Laser vision correction has proven itself very successful in reducing the dependence on glasses and contact lenses. The actual result will vary from patient to patient. Although we can not promise 20/20 vision, most laser patients do achieve 20/20 vision or are within 1 to 2 lines of 20/20 vision on an eye chart. Almost everyone experiences improved vision, and most see well enough to pass a driver's test without the need for corrective lenses. Is Lasik approved by the FDA? The FDA does not usually approve procedures; they approve medical devices such as the Eximer laser. Several eximer lasers have been approved and others are in the final stages of clinical trials. What type of Laser does Associate Ophthalmologists and Refractive Surgeons use? Dr. Rudick and Dr. Shepps use the latest, most advanced lasers currently available, These include the new Autonomous LADAR tracking laser and the Visx Smooth Scan Laser. Back to Questions
What kind of vision will I have after the procedure?
Laser vision correction has proven itself very successful in reducing the dependence on glasses and contact lenses. The actual result will vary from patient to patient. Although we can not promise 20/20 vision, most laser patients do achieve 20/20 vision or are within 1 to 2 lines of 20/20 vision on an eye chart. Almost everyone experiences improved vision, and most see well enough to pass a driver's test without the need for corrective lenses. Back to Questions
Is Lasik approved by the FDA?
The FDA does not usually approve procedures; they approve medical devices such as the Eximer laser. Several eximer lasers have been approved and others are in the final stages of clinical trials. Back to Questions
What type of Laser does Associate Ophthalmologists and Refractive Surgeons use?
Dr. Rudick and Dr. Shepps use the latest, most advanced lasers currently available, These include the new Autonomous LADAR tracking laser and the Visx Smooth Scan Laser. Back to Questions
Will my activities be restricted?
Many of our patients return to work the next day. There are a few restrictions, but with your doctors instructions, you should be able to resume to your normal activities. Back to Questions
Is there Pre-Op and Post-Op care?
Associate Ophthalmologists is committed to providing the highest quality patient care. That care starts the minute you enter our office. We feel strongly that your surgeon should know you and your eyes well before the actual surgery date. To that end, at Associate Ophthalmologists, either Dr. Rudick or Dr. Shepps will perform both your pre-operative and follow-up care themselves. Click here for more on surgery preperation. Back to Questions
Questions & Answers