LASIK Eye Surgery

At Raymond Fong Eye Care in NYC, board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Fong and his team combine extensive experience, advanced technology, and dedicated service to bring you high quality vision care at locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. We offer bladeless LASIK for patients who would like to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

How Does LASIK Work?

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) is a popular laser eye surgery designed to correct refractive errors, which are common vision issues such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The procedure involves reshaping the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, to allow light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina for clearer vision. During LASIK surgery, a precise and controlled removal of corneal tissue by a special laser reshapes the cornea, changing its focusing power. 1

LASIK for Asian Eyes

Choosing the right LASIK surgeon can be especially important for Asian patients. There are several ways that Asian eyes can be different from other ethnicities, including a thinner and differently shaped cornea.2 Dr. Fong is well-known for providing specialized vision correction for Asian patients. Our advanced technology and experience caring for Asian eyes allows us to provide precise, accurate treatment for Asian patients who are seeking successful vision correction. Learn more about how Asian eyes are different.

Benefits of LASIK Vision Correction

Quick and Painless: The vision correction procedure is quick, typically under 30 minutes, and is virtually painless.
Immediate Results: Most patients experience improved vision almost immediately or within a few days.
Long-Lasting: LASIK results are generally permanent, although natural age-related vision changes can still occur.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Enjoy activities like swimming, sports, and traveling without the hassle of corrective eyewear.
Cost-Effective: Over time, LASIK can be more economical compared to the ongoing expense of glasses and contact lenses.

What to Expect from LASIK Surgery

Your treatment plan will be customized for your needs. We will let you know what to expect each step of your vision correction journey.

Preparing for LASIK

The first step is a consultation appointment with one of our eye doctors. We will conduct an eye exam and discuss your vision in order to determine if LASIK is right for you. Once your LASIK surgery is scheduled, you will need to stop wearing contact lenses for several weeks before your procedure. We will review all pre-surgical guidelines with you.

Your LASIK Procedure

You will arrive at our LASIK center at the designated time and our staff will answer any last minute questions and ensure that you are ready for your procedure. Your eyes will be numbed with anesthetic eye drops. Then your eye surgeon will use the laser to reshape your cornea to precise specifications.

Recovery After LASIK

You should plan to rest the remainder of the day after your surgery. You may feel mild discomfort once the numbing eye drops wear off, but this is temporary. Many patients experience clear vision the day after surgery and return to work 2 to 3 days after surgery. We will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and vision.

Who is a Good Candidate for LASIK?

The only way to know for sure if laser eye surgery is right for you is to schedule a consultation appointment. In general, ideal candidates:

  • Are at least 18 years old
  • Are in good general health and a history of good eye health
  • Have a stable prescription that has not changed within the last year

If LASIK is not right for you, we can discuss other vision correction options that may better suit your needs, such as PRK or EVO ICL.

Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK

Q: Why do people have LASIK?

A: Self-improvement, clearer vision from the moment you wake up, enhanced active lifestyle, driving without the burden of eyeglasses, and freedom from irritating contact lenses.

Q: What results can be expected after LASIK?

A: Most LASIK patients with mild to moderate prescriptions can potentially achieve at or near 20/20 vision. Generally there is no need for eyeglasses or contact lenses to drive, play sports, watch movies or work. Many patients see dramatic improvement in their vision in a day, some in a few weeks.

Q: How long will LASIK take?

A: Key to success in our eye care center is the rigorous, mandatory pre-operative testing. This full ophthalmologic examination will take hours and may require several visits. We often repeat the same tests multiple times to ensure accuracy and stability. The procedure itself takes about 15 minutes of which, actual laser time is approximately 1 minute.

Q: What are the risks?

A: Some potential complications include dry eyes, night glare, under/over correction, and loss of best-corrected vision. Critical to the best outcome is following post-operative instructions. Patients are required to have a full discussion of all risks and benefits with the doctor and staff.

Q: What is “bladeless” LASIK?

A: Breakthrough technology that has revolutionized the field of laser vision correction. The entire procedure can be performed with computerized precision. This “bladeless” no-cut, premium procedure gives precise, accurate and predictable results with minimal complications and significantly faster recovery.

Q: What are the costs?

A: LASIK is cost effective when compared to the lifelong expense of multiple eyeglasses, prescriptions, contact lenses and solutions. Their inherent upkeep can run well over $20,000 in a 20-year span whereas the average cost of laser vision correction is $2,000 per eye. These are your eyes; consider carefully the value you place on them.

Contact Us

Dr. Raymond Fong is an award-winning eye doctor who has helped many people find better vision with LASIK. Contact us to schedule your consultation appointment.

1American Academy of Ophthalmology. Lasik. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lasik. Accessed June 20, 2024
2Badr M, Masis Solano M, Amoozgar B, Nguyen A, Porco T, Lin S. Central Corneal Thickness Variances Among Different Asian Ethnicities in Glaucoma and Nonglaucoma Patients. J Glaucoma. 2019 Mar;28(3):223-230. doi: 10.1097/IJG.0000000000001180. PMID: 30624387.