Say Goodbye to Blurry Vision

LASIK is a quick, in-office laser procedure that corrects vision, often reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contacts. At Cliffside Laser Eye and Cataract Center, Dr. Richard E. Levine offers LASIK for eligible patients seeking clearer vision with long-term results.

Schedule an Appointment

What is LASIK?

LASIK laser surgery corrects vision problems during a quick in-office appointment. The elective procedure allows many people to forgo the need for glasses or contacts. If you’re at least 18 years old and have had stable vision for at least the past year, you may be a prime candidate. Richard E. Levine, MD refractive cataract and LASIK specialist is pleased to provide LASIK to patients. To book a free consultation, call Cliffside Laser Eye and Cataract Center, or use the convenient online scheduler.

What is LASIK?

LASIK laser surgery corrects vision problems during a quick in-office appointment. The elective procedure allows many people to forgo the need for glasses or contacts. If you’re at least 18 years old and have had stable vision for at least the past year, you may be a prime candidate. Richard E. Levine, MD refractive cataract and LASIK specialist is pleased to provide LASIK to patients. To book a free consultation, call Cliffside Laser Eye and Cataract Center, or use the convenient online scheduler.

The LASIK Procedure

Bladeless LASIK is the most common type of vision correction surgery that we perform. LASIK Eye Surgery is a method of corneal laser eye surgery that we can use to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism with a quick visual recovery and minimal discomfort.

At the Cliffside Eye Center, Dr. Levine performs LASIK Eye Surgery using an advanced procedure called Bladeless or Blade Free All Laser LASIK during which the LASIK “flap” is created using a femtosecond laser. His specialized corneal training, experience and expertise in performing corneal surgery such as LASIK, offers patients an added sense of confidence in the safety, efficacy and predictability of having their vision correction procedure.

What to Expect During Your LASIK Procedure

To begin your LASIK procedure, the staff places a few eye drops in your eyes to numb the surface of your eye in order to make your treatment quite comfortable. You will be seated in a comfortable and relaxed waiting area while the drops have a chance to begin working. A staff member will escort you into the Excimer Laser Suite and help you to position yourself comfortably on the moveable “bedlike” area that is actually part of the laser system.

Bladeless LASIK: A Three-Step Process

Step 01

Creating the Flap

The first step involves using a femtosecond laser to create a thin, precise flap on the cornea. This ensures that your LASIK procedure is completely bladeless and performed using advanced all-laser technology.

Step 02

Reshaping the Cornea

Next, we carefully fold back the flap to expose the inner layer of the cornea. The Excimer Laser is then applied to reshape the cornea, correcting your vision. This laser treatment is quick and painless, typically lasting between 2 to 15 seconds, depending on the level of correction needed.

Step 03

Flap Repositioning

In the final step, the corneal flap is gently placed back into its original position, where it naturally adheres without the need for sutures or stitches. Most patients find the procedure surprisingly comfortable and are amazed at how quickly it is completed.

What to Expect After Your LASIK Procedure

LASIK permits the healing and visual recovery process to be quick and predictable for most patients. For a few days after your LASIK Eye Surgery, you will need to be careful not to rub or bump your eyes. It is expected that you will have a mild “sandy” or “gritty” sensation during the first day or so after your LASIK surgery. We will give you complete instructions regarding eye drops and medications to use to help the healing and visual recovery process.

YOU NEED TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY!

It is important and required to schedule follow-up visits to check the healing process, regardless of how well you think you are doing. Most LASIK patients at the Cliffside Eye Center are able to pass the New Jersey Motor Vehicles Eye Test (NJMVT without eyeglasses or contacts within a day or so after their LASIK Surgery.

You should feel free to discuss any fears, concerns, questions or thoughts about LASIK or any corneal laser eye surgery with our surgeons or the staff. Some of our staff have had the LASIK procedure themselves. Our staff is available to answer any questions or to address any needs you may have regarding Laser Vision Correction. We will be pleased to spend whatever time is necessary to review any information about the LASIK procedure, what to expect on LASIK surgery day, follow-up care, fees and affordable “no money down” easy monthly payment plans that will fit into your budget.

LASIK – Our Equipment

Why is the Allegretto Laser better than any other laser on the market?

  • It is the latest generation laser

  • Has a flying spot laser instead of a single beam

  • Gives better results, less glare and haloes

  • Treats larger pupils 6-8mm instead of 6mm

  • Treats larger area on the cornea than any other laser on the market

  • Produces smoothest corneal surface of all lasers

  • It has a 240Hz eye tracker which has 4ms reaction time. This means your laser treatment will be perfectly aligned even if your eye twitches or moves.

  • The Allegretto Laser has less increase in higher order aberrations than other lasers. This means sharper, clearer, more vivid vision.

  • Improves refractive error and contrast, sharpness and perception better than any laser on the market.

  • It is wavefront optimized to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism with higher precision than ANY laser on the market.

Are you a Good Candidate for LASIK?

  • Would your lifestyle, job and personal activities benefit from not being dependent on glasses?

  • Are you fed up with the hassles associated with glasses and contact lenses?

If you answered yes to these questions, you’re not alone; millions of people in the US suffer from visual disorders that can be treated. That’s right—clear vision with reduced or no dependence on glasses and contact lenses is an option!

We offer our patients the most advanced options for vision correction, including blade-free/all-laser LASIK. Most who struggle with glasses and contact lenses have heard about vision correction procedures such as LASIK. LASIK laser vision correction continues to grow in popularity, and with good reason. Millions have undergone LASIK with amazing results.

Dr. Levine has an excellent track record of helping LASIK surgery patients greatly reduce—or completely eliminate—their need for eyeglasses and contact lenses!

There have been many advances in LASIK surgery in recent years. However, the goal has remained the same: LASIK surgery aims to permanently correct refractive error, eliminating or reducing dependency on eyeglasses as much as possible. The OCLI Vision LASIK surgeons take great pride in offering the latest advancements in LASIK technology by using the AMO (Advanced Medical Optics) iLASIK platform, as well as the Wavelight Laser.

Are you a Good Candidate for LASIK?

  • Would your lifestyle, job and personal activities benefit from not being dependent on glasses?

  • Are you fed up with the hassles associated with glasses and contact lenses?

If you answered yes to these questions, you’re not alone; millions of people in the US suffer from visual disorders that can be treated. That’s right—clear vision with reduced or no dependence on glasses and contact lenses is an option!

We offer our patients the most advanced options for vision correction, including blade-free/all-laser LASIK. Most who struggle with glasses and contact lenses have heard about vision correction procedures such as LASIK. LASIK laser vision correction continues to grow in popularity, and with good reason. Millions have undergone LASIK with amazing results.

Dr. Levine has an excellent track record of helping LASIK surgery patients greatly reduce—or completely eliminate—their need for eyeglasses and contact lenses!

There have been many advances in LASIK surgery in recent years. However, the goal has remained the same: LASIK surgery aims to permanently correct refractive error, eliminating or reducing dependency on eyeglasses as much as possible. The OCLI Vision LASIK surgeons take great pride in offering the latest advancements in LASIK technology by using the AMO (Advanced Medical Optics) iLASIK platform, as well as the Wavelight Laser.

LASIK FAQs

Is LASIK safe?

Yes, LASIK is a widely performed and FDA-approved procedure with a strong safety record. Millions of people have successfully undergone LASIK with minimal risks. Choosing an experienced surgeon and undergoing a thorough pre-surgical evaluation are key factors in ensuring the best possible outcome.

Does LASIK fix astigmatism?

Yes, LASIK can effectively correct astigmatism by reshaping the cornea to create a more even curvature. Many patients with astigmatism achieve clear, sharp vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses after the procedure.

What are some LASIK side effects?

Common temporary side effects include dry eyes, glare, halos around lights, and mild discomfort. These symptoms typically improve within a few weeks as the eyes heal. Serious complications are rare, especially when LASIK is performed by an experienced surgeon.

Is LASIK worth it?

For many people, LASIK is a life-changing procedure that provides clear vision without the hassle of glasses or contacts. It can be a worthwhile investment, offering long-term savings on eyewear and enhancing daily activities. A consultation with a LASIK specialist can help determine if you’re a good candidate and if the benefits outweigh the costs for your lifestyle.

Does LASIK hurt?

No, LASIK is generally not painful. Numbing eye drops are used to ensure comfort during the procedure. Some patients may feel slight pressure, but the actual laser treatment is painless and lasts only a few seconds per eye. Mild discomfort or dryness may occur in the hours following surgery but usually subsides quickly.

Does insurance cover LASIK?

LASIK is typically considered an elective procedure, so most insurance plans do not cover it. However, some vision plans or employer benefits may offer discounts or financing options. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) can often be used to help cover the cost.

PRK vs. LASIK – What’s the difference?

(Photorefractive Keratectomy)

PRK has been performed in the United States since 1995 and as such has withstood the test of time in terms of safety, efficacy and predictability. PRK has advanced in overall patient comfort and visual recovery as compared to the PRK procedures performed in 1995. Laser technology as well the availability of newer treatment medications make PRK of today an excellent choice for many patients. The PRK procedure is somewhat similar to LASIK in that a laser is used to reshape the cornea in order to correct your vision. The key difference between PRK and LASIK is that no “flap” is created during PRK. Instead, the laser is used to produce your optical correction by reshaping the outermost surface of the cornea, rather than under a flap, as in LASIK. PRK requires the removal of a thin layer of the corneal epithelium, which may produce varying degrees of temporary discomfort for up to a few days after your treatment.

With PRK, we will often prescribe additional medications and a thin, soft bandage contact lens to make you more comfortable for a few days after your treatment. Despite a longer healing time, PRK is the preferred procedure for some patients. PRK is recommended for those patients: 1) whose corneas are too thin to have LASIK safely, 2) whose corneas display evidence of scarring from infection or trauma, or 3) some active or reserve military personnel with special assignments.

Take the Next Step Toward Clear Vision

If you’re ready to experience the freedom of sharp, glasses-free vision, schedule your LASIK Eye Surgery consultation today. At Cliffside Eye Center, we use the latest bladeless LASIK technology to ensure precision, safety, and optimal results. Call our office or book your appointment online to start your journey to clearer vision.

Richard E. Levine, MD

663 Palisade Ave., Suite 303, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010

Appointments: 201-941-9400

© 2025 Cataract. All Rights Reserved.