Dr. Chynn has one of the few

Centers in New York City. Learn more about how CustomVue can Personalize your Best Vision!

Frequently Asked Questions About LASIK Procedure

Please Contact Us if you need additional information.  We are always pleased to assist you.

How does Laser Vision Correction (LASIK) work?

Laser Vision Correction can reduce or eliminate your need for contacts or eyeglasses. A cool beam of ultraviolet laser light is used to reshape the cornea, the clear window of your eye. 

Dr. Chynn says, "Think of the laser beam as gently polishing your eyeglass prescription directly onto your eyeball!"

Who can be "cured" by laser vision correction?

People with myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and even astigmatism can in most cases reduce or even eliminate their need for glasses and/or contacts after LASIK.

I need reading glasses. Can laser vision correction still help?

Yes!  Using a technique called monovision, LASIK can greatly improve your reading vision. Unfortunately, many LASIK "factories" never discuss monovision with their patients. It takes considerable time to determine the work and recreational activities of a patient -- time that is too often NOT spent with patients before their LASIK at some centers.

I discuss monovision with all my LASIK patients, and spend time with all of them myself before the surgery to determine their needs," says Dr. Chynn. "I do not perform a 'one-size-fits-all' LASIK procedure. Every patient has special needs and desires, and only by spending time with them can I ensure that they have the best possible outcome.

I've recommended that some patients only have LASIK in one eye, so that they can use their other eye for reading. I've had patients tell me:

"Doctor, you were the only one who spent the time with me, and advised me to get LASIK in only one eye. Now, I can still read -- and the surgery was half price!
--R. Russkin, New York, NY

Is LASIK safe? Does it hurt? How long does the procedure take?

LASIK has been approved by the FDA to be a safe and effective treatment for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.  LASIK is totally painless, and is completed in 10 minutes!

If LASIK is so great, why don't eye doctors have LASIK?

They do!  Dr. Chynn was the first ophthalmologist in New York to have LASIK himself.  After having worn thick glasses for nearsightedness and astigmatism since childhood, Dr. Chynn now sees 20/20 without glasses or contacts--and has since 1999!

How quickly after LASIK will I be able to see?

The average LASIK patient will see well the next day, and be able to return to work by day two.  Of course, your vision will continue to gradually improve for several weeks.

The recovery after LASEK is slightly slower than LASIK, but the final vision may be a bit better (more people see better than 20/20 after LASEK than LASIK, in Dr. Chynn's opinion).

Will my good vision after LASIK be permanent?

If you see well after LASIK or LASEK, this sharp distance vision should last for the rest of your life (assuming you don't develop cataracts or another disease).  If you need a "touch-up" or enhancement, Dr. Chynn will do this for free for the rest of your life.

You will eventually need reading glasses as you age, like any person with normal vision.  Or in some cases, you can choose LASIK with monovision, and be able to read larger print items without reading glasses forever!

What does LASIK and LASEK cost?

As one of New York's top LASIK and LASEK surgeons, Dr. Chynn will not compete with the bargain-basement "LASIK factories."  Having worked at all the prominent LASIK centers in Manhattan, including TLC, LaserOne and InSight, Dr. Chynn has experience that is unmatched by any other surgeon in NYC.

Dr. Chynn uses only the most up-to-date equipment and the best trained technicians--at the best price.  That's why parkavenuelaser.com is "New York's Best LASIK Value!"

• Lifetime Guarantee
• Free Lifetime Enhancements
• Free Lifetime Check-ups
• In addition, you may qualify for special discounts, for example, the Alumni Discount -- if you are a graduate of any of the schools Dr. Chynn received a degree from (Dartmouth, Columbia, Harvard, Emory, NYU).

Please call us at (888) I-WANT-2020; (888) 492-6820 or (212) 741-8628 M-F from 10AM-7PM.

How can I afford LASIK?  Is financing available?

Yes!  You may use a credit card, or sign up for a special financing plan (with 0% financing for 24 months, then pay as little as $2 per day).  You may also use your FLEX account at work, and save up to 33%.  Many insurances may pay for LASIK or LASEK--call us to check yours!

Sounds good. What's the next step?

Call (888) I-WANT-2020; 1-888-492-6820, or (212) 741-8628 to schedule an appointment for your Free Consultation. You have nothing to lose--except your glasses and contacts!

You may also book your appointment by e-mail.

Sample email response from Dr. Chynn to a prospective patient - demonstrating the individualized attention that Dr. Chynn gives every patient--even a prospective one!

Which procedure will you be performing on me?  Lasik or Lasek?

You can have either procedure, but I would recommend the bladeless, all-laser, no-cutting LASEK, as it is always a bit safer and provides a bit sharper vision by 1 month postop.

I had LASIK and see 20/20 now for 6 years, but did LASEK on Missy, my front desk manager, and Amber, my laser technician in 2004, and now both see 20/10 on a good day (twice as well as 20/20) and 20/13 on a "bad" day.

Will I be able to drive to NYC the day after the surgery?

No, we tell everyone to either take public transport or have a friend drive them in.  If you have a friend do this who wears glasses or contacts, they will normally not perceive this as a big favor, as 100% of them are curious about LASIK anyway so think it is fun to learn more.

Since I live about 1 1/2 hour away, what is the latest I can schedule an appointment for the day of the surgery understanding that I will be in the office for 3 to 4 hours?

The latest is 6pm but you need to get here by 5 so we have time to prep. you for the surgery including drops, scrubs, prep and drape, valium, consents, anesthesia, etc.

Do you recommend monovision at this time?

Only if you are over 40, you can call me to discuss this further if you wish (tues-fri between 11am-6pm), please discuss this preliminarily with my staff first, then i will come on the phone to answer your final questions.

You told me that realistically I will not be able to see 20/20 after the procedure, but that I could get an enhancement at a later time, how long do I need to wait, will I be able to see 20/20, and how much will it cost?

The reason you may not see 20/20 afterwards has nothing to do with me or the laser, it has everything to you and your preoperative best-corrected visual acuity, as your BCVA was not a perfect 20/20 with glasses or contacts--you only saw 20/25. If you want to the best chances of seeing 20/20 or better postop, then your best chance of doing so is to have LASEK + wavefront/custom vue.
Please don't be like some of our patients and say, "I want the best vision, but i don't want to spend a few extra days getting there." This statement is contradictory, as LASIK has quicker recovery but LASEK has better safety and final vision.
If one procedure had both, then there would be no reason to offer the other one, right?:) Like everything in life, the best things take a bit more time and patience--so you should think of LASEK like this.

According to the instructions in the packet given to me, I will have to use antibiotic eye drops, and artificial drops for 4days prior to the procedure.  How will I get the prescription for these?

The prescription for the antibiotic and all the other medications you need are given to you at the time of booking and depositing. If you did not do this yet, then that is why you were not given these items. If you now have decided to go ahead, then you should call Missy toll-free at
1-888-492-6820, and she can call in the prescriptions to your local pharmacy and take your payment via credit card over the phone or via paypal over the internet.

Will I need to pay in advance if I pay by personal check or credit card?

Yes

What about the 0% financing for 24 months, when will I be able to complete the paperwork for this?

Yes, but you have to call Missy ASAP so she can help you apply. You can also apply on-line at our website.

If I were to move to another state in the future, how will I be able to get my annual check ups?

By a local eye MD who i approve of who takes your health insurance.

I hope that I am not being too difficult, but these are questions that I was not able to ask because I did not know what to ask.

No problem, we pride ourselves as giving more personal care to our patients before, during and after their surgery than any other laser center in NYC!

I am thinking of having the procedure done the week of April 18-22.

That's fine, that's right after i attend the international conference for lasik surgeons in dc, www.ascrs.org

Thank you for your time and I hope to hear from you soon.

You're welcome, and looking forward to lasering you soon!:)

Experience the Miracle of Laser Vision Correction!
See 20/20 after LASIK -- like Dr. Chynn!

Are you thinking about Laser Vision Correction but still unsure?

No worries!  Everyone coming in for a free consultation will get a valuable coupon for 20% off eyeglasses, designer frames, and sunglasses - any manufacturer, any model just for visiting us!  This coupon is good for life and can be used at any of our partner optometrist's 3 stores (located next door, Orchard Street Outlet Store and Forest Hills). 

Click here for more details.