Health and Beauty by Jean Stratton

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Special LASIK Surgery Technique Can Correct Many Vision Problems

Helping people see more clearly is the mission of the Princeton Eye Group. In particular, the seven opthalmologists at the Group specialize in LASIK (Laser-in-situ-Keratomileusis) surgery to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Advances in laser technology allow skilled surgeons to change the shape of the cornea permanently. The LASIK technology was FDA-approved in 1996.

Through an arrangement with Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, the oldest eye hospital in the U.S., the Princeton Eye Group has established Wills Laser Vision at Princeton.

"Wills eye Hospital has set up a true operating room environment at our facility in Princeton," explains Dr. Michael Wong, ophthalmologist at the Princeton Eye Group. "We are the only eye center in Central New Jersey to have such strict operating conditions. Wills Eye Hospital is to the treatment of eyes as Sloan Kettering is to the treatment of cancer."

"We use the VISX StarS 4 Active Trak system, which is the premium laser system in the world today," continues Dr. Wong. "The advances in this field in the last 10 years are like going from propeller planes to jets. It is the most effective method of reshaping the cornea, so that light rays focus exactly on the retina.

"There has been a paradigm shift in terms of refractive care. Surgery, in the view of many, has become nearly routine because its risk is so much less. In some cases, it is safer than contact lenses. It is certainly a reasonable alternative to contacts."

Top Surgeons

The doctors at the Princeton Eye Group have performed more than 10,000 surgeries in the past eight years.

"As a group, we are pioneers in the field," points out Dr. Wong, who personally has performed 7,000 surgeries, and has written papers and delivered lectures nationally and internationally. He was named one of the top surgeons in the country for refractive surgery by Laser Vision Centers, a national organization.

In addition, Dr. Wong has had the surgery himself. "On a personal note," he says, "it has been one of the most wonderful things that happened to me. I am extremely proud that my own brother, Dr. Richard Wong performed the surgery. I don't think anything made my parents more proud."

The success rate of LASIK surgery has been remarkable, he points out. 90 percent of Princeton Eye group patients return to work the next day, and 95 percent drive without glasses the day after surgery.

"People with eye problems, especially near sightedness, can now be free from glasses and contact lenses for the very first time. This is a very safe procedure, and most people who wear contacts or glasses for distance purposes are excellent candidates."

Wills Laser Vision at Princeton provides a very thorough evaluation of prospective patients, who must be at least 18 years old, adds Dr. Wong, and people with certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, would not be considered good candidates.

Sophisticated Tests

"Approximately 10 percent of patients who come in for a consultation are turned away because of a medical condition," he reports. In particular, we stay away from anyone who has thinned corneas or irregularly shaped corneas.

"We are the only center in central New Jersey with the most sophisticated tests to evaluate the patient's cornea."

Although results are highly successful, Dr. Wong points out that any surgery carries risk.

"Surgery is surgery, and there is always the risk of infection, but because we do our utmost to prevent complications, infection is extremely rare. When you are dealing with eyes, our attitude is simply that there is no margin for error. It is extremely important to see a physician who has had a lot of experience."

Former Princeton resident, Michele Ritchie had the surgery two years ago at the Princeton Eye Group, and has been delighted with the results.

"I was so near-sighted, I couldn't even see the demarcation between the tiles in the shower," she explains. "Now, I don't even need glasses to drive the car. It has been wonderful."

Great Advances

Nothing pleases Dr. Wong more than to be able to help patients in this way.

"The most important thing a person can do in life is to make a difference for other people. I do this every day. The greatest part about being an ophthalmologist or any physician is the personal relationship that evolves with patients. And, of course, the scientific part of it is so exciting. Ophthalmology has been in the forefront of investigative science for many years, and great advances are expected in the coming decades.

"Every specialty draws a certain personality, and ophthalmologists tend to be hard-core engineering types."

He adds that the Princeton Eye Group was named one of the 50 best eye practices by Laser Vision Centers, and "our center was deemed a Center of Excellence by Wills Eye Hospital."

In addition to its focus on LASIK surgery, the Princeton Eye Group provides comprehensive eye care for children and adults, including non-stitch cataract eye surgery and eyelid plastic surgery.

Dr. Wong is especially noted for his modification to non-stitch cataract surgery – the "Wong Way", which helps to secure the wound so that it is absolutely watertight, and it helps to reduce the risk of infection. It is now taught world-wide.