LASIK | SMILE (Laser Vision Correction)

All-Laser LASIK combines the precision and safety of the VisuMax Femtosecond Laser technology, with no metal blade, and WaveLight Allegretto Wave Eye-Q Laser technology. With the LASIK procedure, a thin corneal flap is first made with a femtosecond laser and retracted. Guided by a skilled surgeon, an excimer laser is then used to produce a precise gentle beam of “cool” laser light, which will reshape the cornea. This treatment is customized based on the unique shape of your cornea and the focus of your visual system. After the excimer laser is completed, the flap is put back in place where it bonds naturally to the cornea without the need for stitches. LASIK is a highly effective, safe, and quick outpatient procedure, allowing most patients to resume normal activity the next day with few restrictions.

What is SMILE?

There’s a new reason to SMILE with the latest in laser vision correction. ZEISS ReLEx® SMILE along with Eyes of York may be your answer to glasses-free, contact-free clear vision. SMILE is the latest in laser vision correction for myopia. The procedure quickly reshapes the cornea of your eye. Watch the animated video below to see how the procedure is performed.

What makes SMILE different from LASIK?

Instead of creating a flap, a small 6mm opening is made. The laser creates a thin, contact lens-shaped layer beneath the surface of the eye which is then removed through the small opening that was created. Removing this thin layer, the cornea is gently reshaped and the patient’s vision is sharpened, correcting the refractive error. Since a smaller incision is made, patients experience less dry eye and redness post-operatively with a quick recovery period. Watch NBC Nightly News’ coverage on this procedure.

AST is an advanced form of PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) where the excimer laser is used precisely to reshape the cornea without first creating a corneal flap. AST may be safer for some people including those with thin or irregular corneal tissue or those who are high risk for eye injury. The technique involves gently removing the outermost layer of the cornea, which will require 3 to 4 days of healing. The excimer treatment is performed on the surface of the cornea and a bandage contact lens is placed to facilitate the regrowth of corneal epithelium. Because there is no flap, the structural integrity of the cornea is maintained. This form of correction is required for military professionals and some departments of law enforcement, as well.

The Lasik Experience at Eyes of York is comprised of special testing during your pre-operative appointment to integrate a fully customized procedure. Together, the following components form the all laser Lasik system– a technology platform accepted in NASA and the military.

WaveLight® EX500 Excimer Laser

This new technology will allow patients to receive the most advanced technology for their Lasik and PRK procedures. Safe and precise pulses sculpt the corneal surface. The laser features additional technological innovations, including an enhanced repetition rate of 500 Hz, high speed eye tracking, and non-contact online pachymetry, all of which provides the opportunity to choose a highly customized, patient-specific treatment for each patient.

VisuMax®

This ground-breaking laser system employs high-performance femtosecond laser technology and is characterized by its outstanding cutting precision, unsurpassed speed and gentle treatment technique.

The Eyes of York Difference

At Eyes of York, our patients are our top priority. Our surgeons and experienced staff are with you every step of the way from the initial screening to the post-operative care. We work with each patient on an individual basis to determine the options best suited for them. 

Physician’s Experience

Our Surgeons 

Dr. Denise Visco is one of the region’s most experienced surgeons, performing thousands of Laser Vision Correction procedures. One of the few elite providers, Dr. Visco is certified by the American Board of Eye Surgery specifically for Lasik surgery and in 1998, opened York’s first surgeon owned Laser Vision Correction Center. Dr. Visco is well known for patient centered care and innovation, having performed procedures as early as 1998 when the FDA first approved LASIK. She was among the first surgeons in the area to offer all laser iLASIK.

Dr. Jerome Benz has been caring for patients with refractive errors and ocular diseases since 2001. After serving his country in 82nd Airborne during the Iraq conflict and earning the Bronze Star Medal in 2004, Dr. Benz came to practice at Eyes of York in 2005 with extensive experience in Laser Vision Correction. Having performed thousands of surgeries at a government LASIK facility in Fort Bragg, Dr. Benz is one of the area’s most seasoned leaders in Laser Vision Correction. Also certified by the American Board of Eye Surgery, Dr. Benz has expertise performing surgeries for simple, custom and complex treatments.

Dr. Samantha LaCroce is a board certified ophthalmologist at Eyes of York who performs cataract and refractive surgeries, and offers comprehensive eye services, including glaucoma management and treatment, dry eye management, and medical eye exams.

Laser Vision Correction is affordable. At Eyes of York, we want our patients to achieve the best vision possible. LASIK, SMILE and PRK are considered elective procedures and are not covered by insurance; however, it may be tax deductible depending on your filing status. In addition, many patients choose to pay for their procedure using their tax refund. We offer several payment options to suit your needs:

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): You can save up to 30% by using tax-free dollars to pay for your laser vision correction surgery. Many employers and banks offer an FSA or Health Savings Account.
• Financing: Eyes of York is pleased to offer up to 18 months interest-free financing through CareCredit. 
• Credit Cards: Many patients opt to pay for their procedure using a personal credit card. This may be a good option, especially if you have a card that carries a low interest rate or offers points and other rewards.

Contact our staff today to review the best financing options for you.

Is surgery painful?

Prior to surgery anesthetic eye drops are instilled to numb the cornea eliminating pain and discomfort during surgery. The anesthetic eye drops are paired with mild sedation, also given before surgery, to minimize anxiety and promote relaxation. After the procedure it is common to feel a stinging or burning sensation along with light sensitivity and cloudy vision for a few hours. The majority of discomfort subsides after the first initial hours following surgery.

How soon can I return to work after surgery?

Most patients will return to work the day after their procedure with no difficulty performing their daily activities.

Are there any restrictions following surgery?

The first week after surgery requires the following restrictions:

• Avoid contact with water such as swimming pools or hot tubs
• No rubbing, bumping or touching the eyes
• Avoid dirty, dusty environments
• No makeup

Is there a guarantee for the results of LASIK surgery?

As with any surgery, anticipated results are never guaranteed. Our surgeon’s experience combined with our advanced technology maximizes precision providing extremely accurate results. We do, however, request patients attend regularly scheduled postoperative follow up visits in order to monitor healing and visual outcome. If a patient is experiencing difficulty throughout this postoperative period an enhancement may be necessary to achieve the final desired outcome.

Will I still need to wear reading glasses?

The technology for LASIK surgery is generally used to correct distance vision. When a patient is approximately 40-50 years old they develop a condition called presbyopia which diminishes the ability of the eye to focus on near objects. However, we do offer other procedures to minimize or eliminate the dependence of wearing reading glasses. Furthermore, successful monovision contact lens patients can have their LASIK procedure customized to match their monovision.

“I wish I would have done it 10 years ago! I chose Eyes of York because I knew my co-worker had seen a few other doctors regarding this procedure and she felt Eyes of York was the most well informed and most Testimonial Womanprofessional. I’m 100% completely satisfied with the results of my surgery. I’m free from glasses and contacts for the 1st time in my life and I love it! Based on my experience, I’ve already recommended Eyes of York to my husband and many friends as well. Kudos to the staff who have always been so kind and friendly- the whole experience, start to finish, has been great. Thank you all so much!!!” — Megan K.

“As with any procedure, there are apprehensions. Staff was very pleasant and helpful. Laura answered many questions and calmed my concerns. Results have far exceeded my expectations. My daily activities and overall lifestyle has changed dramatically. I would definitely recommend this procedure at Eyes of York even to a stranger. Overall excellent experience and staff is knowledgeable and helpful every step of the way.” — Gena H.

“Eyes of York was fantastic before, during and after my lasik surgery! The whole staff is wonderful and caring and Dr. Benz was great!! Although nerve racking, all of them made the procedure and the experience great! I love my new vision! Dr. Benz did a wonderful job and many of my previous eye problems with contacts are now gone. I cannot believe how well I can see! All my friends are jealous!!”

I highly recommend Eyes of York!! They made me see clearly!!”— Chris J.

“I trust the entire staff and I felt comfortable sharing my concerns. The office is clean and professional. The staff treats you with respect. Dr. Visco is amazing! I recommend her to people all the time. She is personable, clear anTestimonial Mand insightful. I never felt rushed or burdensome. She was honest and realistic when it came to explaining the potential outcomes.” — Jocelyn R.

“Excellent– Gifted doctor with terrific staff. I can’t say enough good things. Professional, caring– Why can’t all doctors and their staffs be more like Eyes of York? Absolutely, positively more than satisfied– thrilled would be more like it!” — James B.

“All staff have been wonderful and are always pleasant. I have no complaints. Dr. Visco has always explained everything thoroughly and eased any concerns I may have had. I had been very nervous to have PRK but when the day came, I wasn’t nervous at all!” — Stacey C.

Our experienced surgeons can help you determine whether SMILE or LASIK is the best option for you.

There is a FDA approved treatment range to maintain the safety of each patient. Please click on the button below to take the short questionnaire to find out if you may be a good candidate for a Laser Vision Correction procedure.

Schedule Your Screening!

Free Laser Vision Correction Preliminary Screening

Call us at 717-767-2000 or book your preliminary screening online! At this appointment, we gather some baseline measurements and screen for some medical/ocular history questions to make sure you are an acceptable candidate for proceeding with laser vision correction. 

Refractive Exam

Once determined eligible from the free screening appointment, we would need you to come in for a refractive exam (consultation) with either Dr. Benz, Dr. Visco or Dr. LaCroce. That exam does have a non-refundable fee of $150. However, if you are a candidate and decide to move forward with a procedure, that exam fee is applied to the final cost of the procedure. The exam lasts approximately 2-3 hours and you would be dilated at that time. The dilation will last about 24-48 hours – we need to give you stronger dilation drops for this type of exam, so we have the most accurate measurements for prescription correction. This exam is good for 3 months, should you choose to hold off on your procedure, after that 3-month period you will be charged for a new exam.