Are you tired of dealing with blurry vision, glasses, or contact lenses? At NJ Eye and Ear LASIK Center, led by renowned surgeon Dr. Jimmy Hu, we offer advanced Contoura® Vision topography-guided LASIK in Englewood and Clifton. This cutting-edge procedure customizes each treatment to your eyes, delivering sharper, clearer vision and lasting freedom from corrective lenses.
What is LASIK?
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a vision correction procedure that reduces or eliminates the need for glasses or contact lenses. It treats refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea—the eye’s outermost layer—to improve how light focuses on the retina. The procedure involves creating a thin flap on the cornea, which is gently lifted to allow a precision laser to reshape the underlying tissue. Once complete, the flap is repositioned, and the cornea naturally heals, delivering crisp, clear vision.
LASIK Treats:
- Nearsightedness (difficulty seeing distant objects clearly)
- Farsightedness (difficulty seeing close objects clearly)
- Astigmatism (blurred or distorted vision due to irregular corneal shape)
- Refractive errors causing dependence on glasses or contact lenses
Contoura® Vision LASIK VS. Traditional LASIK
Contoura® Vision LASIK
Contoura® Vision LASIK is a topography-guided procedure that uses advanced mapping technology to analyze up to 22,000 unique elevation points on the cornea. This high-definition mapping identifies subtle irregularities that standard LASIK may miss, allowing for a customized treatment tailored to the unique shape of each eye. The result is superior visual outcomes, with many patients achieving vision beyond 20/20. Additionally, the precision of Contoura® Vision reduces the risk of post-surgical complications like halos, glare, and light sensitivity.
Traditional LASIK
Traditional LASIK is a well-established vision correction procedure that has helped millions of people reduce their dependence on glasses and contact lenses. It uses a laser to reshape the cornea, correcting common refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. While highly effective, traditional LASIK surgery in Englewood and Clifton relies on broader measurements of the cornea, typically mapping around 200 points of curvature. This approach delivers excellent results but may not fully address subtle corneal irregularities, which can lead to visual disturbances like halos or glare in some cases.
Benefits of Contoura® Vision LASIK:
- Personalized treatment using up to 22,000 elevation points on the cornea
- Enhanced precision for sharper, clearer vision beyond 20/20 in many cases
- Reduced risk of post-procedure complications like glare, halos, and light sensitivity
- Customized correction for unique corneal irregularities, including astigmatism
- Faster visual recovery with noticeable improvements shortly after the procedure
- Minimal discomfort and quick return to normal activities, often within one to two days
Your LASIK Session in Englewood
Overview
During your LASIK session, your eyes are numbed using anesthetic drops to ensure a painless experience. A femtosecond laser is used to create a precise, ultra-thin corneal flap, which Dr. Hu lifts to access the underlying corneal tissue. A highly accurate excimer laser, guided by your personalized corneal map, then reshapes the tissue to correct refractive errors by altering the cornea’s curvature. The flap is repositioned, and it adheres naturally without sutures.
Side Effects & Recovery
After your LASIK procedure, you may experience mild side effects such as dryness, light sensitivity, or a gritty sensation in your eyes. These are temporary and typically resolve within a few days. Dr. Hu will provide detailed post-operative instructions, including using prescribed eye drops to support healing and reduce inflammation. Most patients notice improved vision within hours and can resume normal activities in one to two days.
What Results Can I Expect?
You can expect life-changing results from LASIK surgery in Englewood and Clifton. Most patients achieve vision of 20/20 or better, with many experiencing sharper, clearer vision than they ever had with glasses or contacts. You’ll notice significant improvement within hours, with continued refinement over the following days. Dr. Hu’s precise techniques and personalized care minimize complications like glare or halos, allowing you to enjoy crisp, natural vision and a future free from corrective lenses.
LASIK FAQs
Am I a Candidate for LASIK?
You may be a candidate for LASIK if you are over 18, have stable vision, and are in good overall eye health. The ideal candidates typically have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism and meet specific corneal thickness requirements. A comprehensive evaluation by Dr. Hu will determine if LASIK is right for you.
How Long Does the LASIK Procedure Take?
The LASIK procedure usually takes about 15 minutes per eye. The laser reshaping lasts only seconds, while the rest of the time is spent preparing your eyes and ensuring alignment. Patients can expect to be at the office for 1 to 2 hours on the day of the procedure.
Is LASIK Painful?
No, LASIK is not painful. Dr. Hu will numb your eyes with anesthetic drops before the procedure. You may feel slight pressure during certain steps, but the process is fairly comfortable. After the surgery, you might experience mild discomfort, such as dryness or irritation, for a few days.
How Soon Will I See Results After LASIK?
Most patients notice a significant improvement in their vision within hours of the procedure. Your vision will continue to improve over the next few days, with optimal clarity usually achieved within weeks. Dr. Hu will monitor your progress to ensure your recovery is on track.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects With LASIK?
While LASIK is highly safe and effective, like any surgery, it does carry some risks. Temporary side effects may include dry eyes, glare, halos, or light sensitivity. These are typically mild and resolve within a few days or weeks. Serious complications are rare, especially when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Hu.
How Long Do the Results of LASIK Last?
For most patients, LASIK results are permanent. However, natural changes in the eyes, such as presbyopia (age-related farsightedness), can occur over time and may require additional vision correction later in life. LASIK does not prevent these natural changes.
Can I Have LASIK if I Have Astigmatism?
Yes, LASIK is highly effective at treating astigmatism. Advanced technologies like Contoura® Vision allow Dr. Hu to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique corneal shape, correcting irregularities with exceptional precision.
Schedule Your Consultation
Dr. Jimmy Hu is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained expert in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery, with advanced training from the prestigious Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Trusted by professionals such as athletes and pilots, Dr. Hu uses cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional vision results. Take the first step toward clear, crisp vision by scheduling your consultation for LASIK in Englewood and Clifton with Dr. Hu today.
