Weill Cornell Medical Center New York -Presbyterian Hospital
Department of Ophthalmology
Volume2/Number 05/Spring 2001
Getting ready for Lasik or LTK*
Dr. Sandra Belmont, noted spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and Director of the Laser Vision Center at Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, recently discussed Laser Vision Correction with Carraway on line. The topics included: getting ready for the procedure, and who may benefit from laser vision correction.
The AAO suggests that you should ask these questions of the Doctor you wish to perform your procedure:
- How many LASIK surgeries have you done? Patients ought to select a very experienced corneal specialist, as it takes a long time to become proficient [doing LASIK].
- What is your success rate?
- How many of your patients return for enhancement? [5 to 15% is the norm.]
- What laser will you be using, and is it FDA approved?
- What kind of follow-up care will be needed after the procedure, and who will provide it?
- What are the possible risks and complications?
Remember, it is always important to select a doctor who is qualified, capable and experienced.
Most people are good candidates [for LVC] and our patients find that laser vision correction is a wonderful, and liberating solution for correcting your vision if you are nearsighted, farsighted or if you have astigmatism.
The AAO suggests that you may not be a candidate under the following conditions:
- While you are pregnant, or breast-feeding.
- If you have an autoimmune disease.
- If you are taking medications which affect your vision.
- If you have cataracts, previous eye injuries or eye surgery.
- If you have thin corneas.
Candidates must be at least 18 years of age, and have had a stable prescription for at least one year. A thorough evaluation is needed in order to ascertain ones candidacy.
ASCRS Symposium and Congress
This years meeting for the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (San Diego, April 28th to May 2nd) included papers and talks delivered by Dr. Sandra Belmont (Longevity of Laser Thermal Keratoplasty), and by her fellow, Dr. Osher Sebrow (Irregular Astigmatism in Form Fruste Keratoconus).
Doctors at the meeting were able to discuss recent developments in practice and technology, and preview innovations in their respective fields.
Cornell's contribution in the area of technology is the Very High Frequency Ultrasound, a diagnostic device that will soon become an integral part in the practice of cornea and refractive surgery. Other hot topics: Clinical trial for the treatment of Presbyopia, but more on this in our next report.
Doctor D.Jackson Coleman, Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Weill Cornell, viewing Very High Frequency Ultrasound with assistant.
Doctor Sandra Belmont
Photo cortesy of Robin Thomas
The Director
Internationally recognized, Sandra Belmont, M.D., F.A.C.S., has over fifteen years of experience in laser vision correction and is corneal fellowship trained.She is the sole director of the corneal fellowship at Weill Cornell Medical Center-New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Edited by John Saegaert Vol.2, Number 5. Spring, 2001.