LASIK Grows in Popularity

Robert Marberger, RN, research coordinator at Cooper Medical Center Trauma Unit sits with James Lewis, MD. After his LASIK Robert said, “Thanks to a wonderful team.”

by James Lewis, MD

LASIK is an experience rather than a surgical event. It begins with your first call, and it should never end. You should be able to count on someone being at the end of the phone (or email) to answer brilliant questions as well as “stupid ones” for life.
Surgeons emphasize their experience, their great equipment, their safe environment, their high-powered references and their brand affiliation; these are prerequisites. Geniune concern for your total well-being (standard at iHateMyGlasses.com™) sets us apart. This is why we don’t have “levels” of service or “treatment plans” for our patients. Everyone’s eyesight is precious.
It took time to assemble a group of caring, motivated staff. Sue Cross, our LASIK coordinator can handle almost anything. Debbie Breig, our experienced scrub nurse and LASER technician has never been seen making a mistake or losing her cool. Michelle Nolan had LASIK and tells patients exactly what to expect and how to take care post-operatively.
We’ve set a maximum on the number of LASIK procedures we will perform in a day. We can’t provide enough attention to the surgical detail and your emotional needs if we try to do more. (No assembly lines here.)
Everyone is nervous about surgery. Everyone wants the best result. My staff insists I exercise regularly and stay healthy for surgery. They won’t tolerate a “second best” surgeon so you won’t either.
I am touched that Nancy and Brenda always stay late. They are there for you and never look at the clock. I am lucky to work with my closest friend Barry Fabriziani, OD in Phoenixville and Jenkintown. He is the best doctor I know. We affectionately call him “FAB”. We’ve started to call Marc Myers, OD, pre-FAB, because he has all the same traits except he doesn’t have grey hair. Dr. Myers splits his time between Mount Laurel and Jenkintown.
As a cornea subspecialist, it took time before I was comfortable operating on a medically-healthy eye. If the results hadn’t been outstanding and the patient experience emotionally rewarding, I would have stopped immediately.
LASIK is the most exciting advance in our field in years. Whether you visit us or another reputable provider, you should see whether LASIK makes sense for you.

More Area Residents are Discovering the Benefits of LASIK

Stephen Reed of Dresher studies audio engineering. He was happy with the caring and supportive staff and felt no pain.

Jeff Kochanowicz’s daughter plans to be an eye doctor. She watched her father’s LASIK very, very carefully.

Gary Coppola, Production Director of the Pottstown Mercury, says“everything is clear”.

Is Summer a Good Time for LASIK Surgery?

Dr. Lewis and Dr. Myers discuss their submission to the FDA. This research uses LASIK to improve vision in patients who have had a corneal transplant.

photography by Sue Cross

Swimming without Glasses or Contacts Makes LASIK Popular in the Summer

by James Lewis, MD

LASIK patients want to know when they can resume their normal activities.
As surgeons, we want to be conservative but as realists we want patients to get back to their daily routine. Below are some general guidelines:
Driving is usually possible the morning after LASIK surgery. While night driving can be more variable, we need patients to exercise good judgment.
Swimming is usually restricted for two weeks. Recent discussions on Kera-Net (a chat line for Ophthalmologists) suggest that even less time may be required. Scuba diving, surfing, high diving, and waterskiing should be avoided for two weeks. Chlorine and saltwater are not a special concern.
Exercise can begin the next day. Effort should be made to reduce sweat in the eyes by using a headband or a hat.
Showers can be taken any time after surgery. It is best to keep your eyes closed gently for a few days while showering.
Golf is a special case. We ask golfers to wait at least eight hours before getting back onto the green. You can use your surgery as an excuse for a bad game for at least six to twelve months.
Alcohol use is not restricted after the first twenty-four hours. Smoky environments (bars, concerts, parties) may require an extra dose of the non-preserved tears. They can be found in your post-operative kits. Sometimes your eyes will be tired. Go home.
Commercial airline travel is fine after you are seen the day following surgery. Because the plane’s atmosphere is extremely dry, you may need to use a lubricating gel and close your eyes on longer trips.
Makeup is not my area of expertise. Nor are questions like “when is it OK to have my hair done?” I recommend waiting about a week. Make sure nothing touches the eye (eyeliner) and no powders, cremes, ointments, lotions, fumes, etc. get into the eye for at least that long.
Allergies are rarely a problem for LASIK patients. The medications given control itching and can be used for an extended period if necessary. Rubbing the eye should be kept to a minimum, and a real good rub should be avoided for several months.
Little children are my biggest fear. Whether they belong to you or not, they have an uncanny ability to touch and wrinkle your LASIK flaps during the first 72 hours. It is best to keep children at arms length for at least that much time.
There is no need to avoid the sun or the beach. Sunglasses should be used to protect your eye from the sun, sand and wind. I ask all patients to make sunglasses a regular part of their gear. Studies have shown a reduction in retinal disease and cataract development with sun protection regardless of LASIK. Of course, sunscreen is not an eye drop.
Sleeping immediately after LASIK is a required activity. We apply protectors for the eyes after surgery to prevent trauma (rubbing). Night shields (in your kit) are also advisable for several additional days.
Skydiving, extreme mountain climbing, and contact sports are best delayed for a month. There is no better substitute than good judgment.
Computer use and reading can begin soon after surgery. Remember, take frequent breaks and use non-preserved lubricants. If you feel as if you’ve had enough, you probably have!

Vince Shields, owner of Kenny’s in Southampton says farewell to Sue Cross, head LASIK coordinator.

LASIK Prices Revealed

Q: How can one doctor charge $5000.00 for LASIK and another charge $499.00?
A: Some doctors rent lasers. They are not committed to LASIK surgery. They don’t invest because they want to minimize their financial risk. Companies lease lasers to doctors and charge over one thousand dollars for each patient treated. Theses companies get 20 to 25% of your surgical fee.
Some doctors own their own laser but still charge too much! They are not better surgeons. They do not represent higher quality.
Others groups charge so little they have to run their office like an assembly line.
Q: Am I safer going to a University setting, a large corporation, or what?
A: No. An established physician is your best choice. Pick someone with a commitment to the community and an excellent reputation. They will be there for you tomorrow.
ihateMyglasses.com has never changed its price ($2500 for both eyes) nor its mission. We provide excellent care, top quality equipment, and a professional environment. We don’t overcharge, and we don’t run a LASIK factory.

Officer Mark Dietrich of Berks County found LASIK surgery simpler than expected.