The Laser Vision Correction Center at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE) uses the most advanced technologies and techniques to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, with the goal of eliminating the need for eyeglasses and contact lenses. Our board-certified ophthalmologists are leaders in the field of refractive (laser vision correction) surgery, teaching the technique to other physicians around the country and serving as investigators in clinical research to improve vision correction surgery.

Laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is the most commonly performed type of laser refractive surgery. Ophthalmologists at the Laser Vision Correction Center have been performing LASIK for more than 20 years. This technique allows surgeons to reshape the cornea (with the help of a special flap-cutting laser) by removing corneal tissue without disrupting the surface of the eye. LASIK is effective in bringing most patients to 20/20 vision or better with minimal complications and side effects. If side effects do develop, they could include dry eye and blurriness, which usually disappear within weeks.

Your physician will discuss with you the type of laser vision correction surgery that best meets your needs. Our treatment options include:

• IntraLase® Femtosecond LASIK, also known as "blade-free LASIK." This technology uses an ultra-fast femtosecond laser to create a thin flap in the cornea, followed by an excimer laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue for vision correction. In addition to putting patients at greater ease, the IntraLase Femtosecond Laser may give the surgeon more options to customize the LASIK procedure in terms of flap size and corneal shape.
• Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). In this procedure, the surgeon scrapes away the superficial corneal cells (epithelium) mechanically and then treats the cornea with the excimer laser that safely and accurately delivers the precise number of laser pulses to achieve the desired corneal flattening. The entire treatment of both eyes is usually completed within 10 minutes. While the corneal surface is healing over the course of two to three days, mild pain and blurred vision may result.