Laser Vision Correction

Connecticut Eye Consultants has been offering laser vision correction surgery since it was approved in the 1990s. One of our own corneal specialists, Stephen Zuckerman M.D., was among the first doctors in the United States to use this groundbreaking technology. He has more than 25 years of experience with PRK, LASIK and other procedures, and has worked with this exciting technology longer than any surgeon in Connecticut. Dr. Zuckerman provides consultations for both methods of laser vision correction, but performs only PRK surgery. He entrusts LASIK patients to his esteemed colleague Dr. Lorenzo Cervantes.

PRK: (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

Procedure: No incision, no flap—only a superficial scratch. The laser is used to correct the vision by changing the corneal shape. A contact lens bandage is placed on top to help heal the cornea.

Advantages:

· No scalpels used and no incisions made.

· Suitable for patients with thin corneas.

· No risk of corneal flap complications.

· Broader Range of Candidates: It is easier for your doctor to qualify you for PRK than LASIK.

· Rare complications are more superficial than LASIK.

Disadvantages:

· Visual recovery is more prolonged than LASIK, usually taking 2-3 weeks. Therefore, most patients have the procedure performed one eye at a time so they can return to normal activities sooner.

· Drops are administered for 1-2 months typically after the procedure.
 

LASIK: (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis)

Procedure: A blade is used to create a corneal flap. The flap is moved and the laser reshapes the cornea. The flap is put back in place and the cornea heals naturally. Generally, no stitches or bandages are required.

Advantages:

· Quick recovery. Many of our patients drive to the office the day after surgery for their post-op appointment.

· Maximum convenience. Most patients have both eyes performed on the same surgical day.

· Drops are typically administered for only one week after surgery.

· As the laser is applied to a deeper layer, the risk of scarring is minimal.

· No bandages or stitches are typically required after LASIK.

Disadvantages:

· Rare complications due to the creation of a corneal flap.

· Problems may be more severe due to the depth of the procedure.

· Direct trauma to the eye can disturb the flap. Consider your occupation and lifestyle.

Wavelight EX500 Excimer Laser Technology

Our surgeons have chosen the Wavelight EX500 Excimer Laser by Alcon for your surgery. PRK and LASIK surgery involve the use of an Excimer laser to reshape the outer layer of the eye. This Excimer Laser is a "cool" laser. It is an invisible ultraviolet laser and as it does not generate any heat, there is no tissue damage from the laser light. Microscopic layers of tissue, approximately 1/10th the width of a human hair, are removed as the laser is programmed to remove precisely the amount of tissue needed to reduce or eliminate your eyeglass or contact lens prescription.

This laser can treat higher prescriptions of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism, which was not possible with prior lasers.

Please call 203-791-2020 today to schedule your laser vision correction consultation. 

LASIK Laser Eye Surgery

LASIK (Laser in-situ keratomileusis) is the most frequently performed refractive surgery procedure used today to reduce or eliminate the use of glasses or contact lenses. During LASIK the surgeon first uses a device called a microkeratome to create a thin corneal flap. The flap is then lifted up, and the laser beam is applied to the exposed interior surface of the cornea to reshape the tissue. To finish, the corneal flap is replaced over the treated area. This serves as a natural bandage and allows vision to improve more rapidly.

Patients frequently have both eyes done simultaneously in a 10-minute, painless procedure which is performed in a state-of-the-art suite. Some patients elect to do one eye at a time. This procedure is highly successful and can rapidly reduce or eliminate a person's dependence on glasses or contact lenses. LASIK is generally safe and effective, and has very few side effects. Your surgeon will be involved in your care every step of the way and will discuss with you all the options and answer every question you have about this procedure. For your active lifestyle needs, the benefits can be tremendous.

Take the Vision Correction Self Test.
LASIK Testimonials.
LASIK FAQs.

LASIK is now affordable through Financing with  or CALL 1-800-365-8295.

Please call 203-791-2020 today to schedule your LASIK consultation. 

PRK Laser Eye Surgery

PRK ( Photorefractive keratectomy) is different than LASIK because no corneal flap is created during the PRK procedure. Instead, the central portion of the thin outer layer of the cornea is removed from the eye. The excimer laser is then used on the surface of the cornea to reshape it. Then the cornea is covered with a contact lens which serves as a natural bandage to allow the surface of the eye to heal. This procedure is an alternative to LASIK and is also used for patients who have very thin corneas.

Patients generally have PRK surgery one eye at a time in a 10-minute, painless procedure in a state-of-the-art suite. This procedure is highly successful and can reduce or eliminate a person's dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Final visual outcomes are the same as LASIK. However, as there are a few weeks of progressive improvement, we generally recommend doing one eye at a time. Some patients prefer to do simultaneous surgery. PRK is generally safe, effective and has very few side effects. Your surgeon will be involved in your care every step of the way and will discuss with you all the options and answer every question you have about the procedure. For your active lifestyle needs, the benefits can be tremendous.

Take the Vision Correction Self Test.
PRK Testimonials.
PRK FAQs.

PRK is now affordable through Financing with or CALL 1-800-365-8295.

Please call 203-791-2020 today to schedule your PRK consultation. 

Financing and Payment Plans

We offer CareCredit to our patients in order to help you manage your family’s out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. We offer promotional financing for 12 months* on qualifying purchases of $200.00 or more to our patients for laser vision correction, Cataract Surgery, cosmetic treatments and surgery, eyeglasses, contact lens, prescription and non-prescription sunglasses, hearing aids and more. To apply for CareCredit, please click here or CALL 1-800-365-8295.

*Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments are required. See carecredit.com for details. 

Testimonials

"I have been wearing glasses and contacts since 3rd grade. To finally be able to wake up everyday and be able to see without glasses or contacts has been wonderful and liberating. I have been very pleased with the results from my LASIK procedure."

Mary B.
New Milford, CT

"My LASIK surgery performed by Dr. Zuckerman transformed my quality of life. Waking up every day with clear vision is an absolute blessing. I have terrible allergies. No longer having to fumble with contact lenses, which often irritated my already uncomfortable eyes, is a huge relief. I definitely took my vision for granted when I was younger. Being able to look at the world and see so clearly is something I am so grateful for ….LASIK provides the gift of true clarity."

Jessica B.
Danbury, CT

To See More Testimonials, Click Here.