I can see clearly now with LASIK surgery
"I wore glasses from the time I was 5 years old until last year when I had LASIK surgery. It's the most incredible thing I've ever done," says Virtua board-certified ophthalmologist Eric Hartman, MD. Dr. Hartman is among an estimated 1.8 million Americans in 2002 who underwent LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) surgery to correct vision.
The overwhelming majority of patients have a positive result. As with any surgery, however, there are risks including loss of vision, dry-eye syndrome and difficulty with night vision. Since the LASIK procedure is relatively new, the American Academy of Ophthalmology cautions that the long-term safety and effectiveness is not known.
"LASIK is very effective for the right candidate. I perform an extensive examination to ensure that the patient is suitable," stresses Irving Raber, MD, Virtua board-certified ophthalmologist. "It's also important that the patient has realistic expectations about what the surgery can accomplish."