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Topography-Guided LASIK

A Revolutionary Approach to Vision Correction

LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a widely accepted method for correcting various vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. In our CEI offices in New York and New Jersey, in addition to traditional bladeless LASIK, we also offer a new form of bladeless LASIK known as topography-guided LASIK. This approach provides a more personalized and effective solution for vision correction and has become increasingly popular among patients seeking the sharpest possible vision.

What is Topography-Guided LASIK?

Topography-guided LASIK is a type of laser vision correction that leverages the power of advanced mapping technology to create a precise and comprehensive three-dimensional map of the cornea. The cornea is the clear lens in front of the eye, upon which LASIK is performed. This map, known as topography, provides a detailed representation of the cornea’s surface and shape, allowing the LASIK surgeon to tailor the laser correction to the individual needs of each patient.

Unique Types of Corneal Topographies

Round

Oval

Superior Steepening

Inferior Steepening

Irregular

Symmetric Bowtie with Skewed Radial Axis

Asymmetric Bowtie with Inferior Steepening

Asymmetric Bowtie with Superior Steepening

Asymmetric Bowtie with Skewed Radial Axis

Symmetric Bowtie

In comparison, traditional LASIK is based on the patient’s eyeglass prescription, which provides only a general understanding of the cornea’s shape and fails to take into account the many subtle variations and imperfections that can impact vision. With topography-guided LASIK, the laser correction is guided by the comprehensive topography map, which includes thousands of data points providing a more effective and personalized approach to vision correction. This approach results in a sharper vision and lowers the incidence of side effects like glare and haloes.

How Does Topography-Guided LASIK Work?

Step 1

The first step in topography-guided LASIK is creating a topography map of the cornea. This is done using a corneal topographer, a device that projects ring shaped light patterns onto the cornea and records the reflection of these patterns using cameras. The information gathered is then used to create a highly detailed map of the cornea’s shape and surface.

Step 2

Once the topography map is complete, the LASIK procedure begins. A femtosecond laser is used to create a thin flap in the cornea, which is then lifted to expose the underlying tissue. The flying spot excimer laser is then used to reshape the cornea, removing small amounts of tissue to correct any imperfections and improve vision. The tissue removal at each individual point is guided by the topography map. This is as opposed to traditional LASIK where a general treatment pattern is used based on the three-point data prescription alone (sphere, cylinder and axis).

Step 3

The flap is then replaced and allowed to heal, without any stitches. The whole surgical process typically takes about 15-20 minutes. After that the patient can go home. Most people can resume their routine daily activities the very next day.

Benefits of Topography-Guided LASIK

There are several notable benefits of topography-guided LASIK, including:

There are several notable benefits of topography-guided LASIK, including:

Customized Correction: One of the primary advantages of topography-guided LASIK is the level of customization it provides. By using the topography map to guide the laser correction, the treatment is tailored to the specific eyes of each patient, leading to a more effective and personalized outcome.

Improved Accuracy: The use of topography mapping allows for a more accurate and precise point-to-point laser correction, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring optimal results.

Better Results for Complex Cases: Traditional LASIK can be less effective for patients with complex corneal shapes, or other vision problems, such as irregular or high levels of astigmatism. Topography-guided LASIK, on the other hand, can provide better results for these complex cases, resulting in clearer and sharper vision.

Reduced Risk of Complications: By using the topography map to guide the laser correction, topography-guided LASIK minimizes the risk of complications such as halos, glare, and starbursts. Also, it minimizes the chance of human error if the wrong prescription is dialed in or is measured.

Enhanced Outcomes: Studies have shown that topography-guided LASIK can provide better visual outcomes

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Speak to your eye care provider to see if they offer this service as topography-guided LASIK has been shown to offer superior results.

At Cohen Eye Institute, we use the Contoura® system which is the most advanced form of topography-guided LASIK available today.

Dr. Cohen in the News & Media

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ABC 7 News

The surgeon, Dr. Ilan Cohen talks about “the unique” features of Implantable Collamer® Lens surgery as compared with LASIK.

CBS 2 News
An artificial corneal transplant is a complex surgery that is reserved for patients that have corneal blindness and are not otherwise candidates for a traditional corneal transplant.

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What other Doctors say about Dr. Cohen

Doctor Testimonial

When looking for a doctor to do my LASIK surgery, I was searching for someone with deep subject matter expertise, who is precise with a high degree of attention to detail, and who enjoyed and was enthusiastic about what they did.

Doctor Testimonial

I met Dr. Cohen through the recommendation of one of my ophthalmology friends when I was looking to get LASIK surgery. I am 20/15 in both eyes and have never had a problem. Thank you Dr. Cohen!

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I chose Dr. Cohen for my cataract surgery with a multifocal lens implant because over the last 20 years of knowing him and referring many of my patients to him, he never made a mistake. I couldn’t be happier with my vision.

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Dr. Ilan Cohen is one of the finest surgeons I could possibly imagine. He has done multiple surgeries, he’s handled incredibly complicated cases. He is one of the finest doctors and I am more than happy to recommend him.

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When it comes to mine or my family’s eyes, Dr. Cohen is my number one choice. Why? Because I have seen his results, and they are far superior than most surgeons in the area. If you want the best results, it’s Dr. Cohen that you have to go to.

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Dr. Cohen is one of the finest surgeons I know. I have seen plenty of his LASIK post op results which have been excellent. I would not hesitate to send any of my family members to him. 

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I have known Dr. Cohen for over 10 years through his reputation and personal interaction. He is one of the best surgeons that I know. When working on a complicated case, I will call Dr. Cohen because his opinion is very important to me.

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I have co-managed hundreds of patients with Dr. Cohen who have had all kinds of refractive surgery. Each procedure is tailored to the patient's particular eye. 

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I have been the director of an ophthalmology surgical center for the last 30 years. I personally know over 100 eye surgeons. If a member of my family needed eye surgery, Dr. Cohen would be the one to perform it.

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I've been an optometrist for 19 years, and I've worked with a number of different surgeons. I think Dr. Ilan Cohen has some of the best hands that I've ever seen.

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When I think of doctor Ilan Cohen, I think of the best. Dr. Cohen and I have been involved in some of the most exciting research projects. Dr. Cohen, in my opinion is one of the best surgeons on this plant.

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Refractive Surgery Quiz

At Cohen eye Institute we offer a wide menu of Refractive Surgery. From Lasik to EVO- ICL. This quiz will help us help you tailor your vision to your lifestyle needs.