Introduction

Eye pigmentation can have various causes and effects on one's appearance and vision. Laser treatment for eye pigmentation has emerged as a popular and effective solution in recent years. In New York City, there are numerous hospitals offering such treatments. In this article, we will strictly select 5 hospitals renowned for their excellence in laser treatment of eye pigmentation, providing you with detailed information to help you make an informed decision.

What is Laser Treatment for Eye Pigmentation?

Laser treatment for eye pigmentation involves the use of advanced laser technology to target and modify the pigment in the eyes. Different types of lasers are used depending on the specific condition and the desired outcome. For example, in keratopigmentation, a bladeless femtosecond laser is used to create corneal channels and place specially colored pigments into the superficial cornea to change the eye color. This technique, first utilized in 2013 by Dr. Ferrari in Paris, France, has since been successfully applied to thousands of patients.

Benefits of Laser Treatment for Eye Pigmentation

• Accuracy: Laser technology allows for precise targeting of the pigmented areas, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
• Minimally Invasive: Most laser treatments are minimally invasive, resulting in less pain and a shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgical methods.
• Customization: The intensity and color of the pigmentation can often be customized according to the patient's preferences.
• Permanent Results: In many cases, the results of laser treatment for eye pigmentation are designed to be permanent, providing long - lasting benefits.

Strictly Selected 5 Hospitals for Laser Treatment of Eye Pigmentation in New York City

1. Manhattan LASIK Center

Overview

Manhattan LASIK Center is at the forefront of providing advanced eye - color - changing procedures through keratopigmentation. The center has 5 of the most advanced bladeless femtosecond lasers capable of the eye color change procedure, located in 4 different convenient locations in New York and New Jersey, including Manhattan, New Jersey, Westchester, and Long Island. The consultation, procedure, and follow - ups are all performed at the same location, eliminating the need for patients to travel between offices. For out - of - state travelers, the center can even provide hotel recommendations.

Surgeon

Dr. Kevin Niks Arli, MD, is one of the world’s most experienced ophthalmic surgeons in both LASIK and SMILE procedures. He was the first surgeon to perform the SMILE technique on the east coast following its FDA approval in September 2016. With over 25 years of experience in exclusively performing laser vision correction in his state - of - the - art midtown Manhattan eye clinic, using the most advanced laser technologies, he has personally performed over 100,000 successful laser vision correction procedures. He will utilize his vast expertise for keratopigmentation eye color change operations.

Treatment Process

The keratopigmentation procedure at Manhattan LASIK Center involves using the most advanced bladeless femtosecond laser to create corneal channels. Specially prepared color pigment particles are then placed into these channels, which are created in a circular fashion around the pupil at a predetermined width according to each individual’s corneal anatomy. The process requires a high level of accuracy by the surgeon, as the proper centration of the channels around the pupils and symmetry between the eyes are crucial for the best and most natural - appearing results. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with eye drops and takes 25 - 40 minutes for both eyes.

Eye Color Options

When patients visit the center, they will be guided to test and select the color that is in harmony with their face. There is a wide range of colors available, such as blue (riviera blue), green (emerald green), and honey. Palettes can also be custom - designed according to the patients' wishes. The center partners with Neoris Eyes, which has been investing in research to improve colorants.

Patient Feedback

Patients have given rave reviews about their experiences at Manhattan LASIK Center. One patient said, “This was truly the very best medical procedure I’ve ever had. I felt like I was at an exclusive spa and I had a VIP pass. The staff was simply amazing, headed by Thai, who was informative and super patient. The icing to this experience was Dr. Niks Arli, who absolutely authored the book in a bedside manner! His tender yet highly professional treatment was so heartwarming. I felt absolutely no pain during the whole procedure or thereafter. My family is in awe and planning their own visit to Dr Niks Arli.” Another patient stated, “I am loving my result. The whole process was great, I am very pleased. The way Dr. Niks Arli said the procedure was going to happen is exactly how it went. I was very comfortable. I had a very uneventful night the night after the surgery. There was no pain during the surgery and after during the recovery. I am loving my results!”

Cost and Financing

The original price of the keratopigmentation eye color change procedure is $13,000. Currently, with a $1,000 off promotion, the total cost comes down to $12,000. The price includes a consultation with Q&A, complete eye diagnostic testing, and 12 months of free follow - up and touch - ups whenever needed. The center is now offering interest - free financing up to 24 - months through Alphaeon and CareCredit. If patients are interested in financing their procedure, they are highly encouraged to apply before their consultation.

FAQs

2. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai

Overview

The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is nationally ranked in 1 adult specialty. It is a well - known institution in the field of ophthalmology, with a long - standing reputation for providing high - quality eye care. The Laser Vision Correction Center at this hospital uses the most advanced technologies and techniques to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, with the goal of eliminating the need for eyeglasses and contact lenses. Their board - certified ophthalmologists are leaders in the field of refractive (laser vision correction) surgery, teaching the technique to other physicians around the country and serving as investigators in clinical research to improve vision correction surgery.

Treatment Offerings

• LASIK (Laser - Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis): This is the most commonly performed type of laser refractive surgery at the center. Ophthalmologists have been performing LASIK for more than 20 years. It allows surgeons to reshape the cornea by removing corneal tissue without disrupting the surface of the eye, bringing most patients to 20/20 vision or better with minimal complications and side effects. Side effects, if they occur, could include dry eye and blurriness, which usually disappear within weeks.
• Intralase® Femtosecond LASIK: Also known as "blade - free LASIK." This technology uses an ultra - fast femtosecond laser to create a thin flap in the cornea, followed by an excimer laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue for vision correction. It may give the surgeon more options to customize the LASIK procedure in terms of flap size and corneal shape and can put patients at greater ease.
• Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK): In this procedure, the surgeon scrapes away the superficial corneal cells (epithelium) mechanically and then treats the cornea with the excimer laser. The entire treatment of both eyes is usually completed within 10 minutes. While the corneal surface is healing over the course of two to three days, mild pain and blurred vision may result.

Patient - Centered Care

The hospital emphasizes a strong doctor - patient relationship. Physicians at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai will discuss with patients the type of laser vision correction surgery that best meets their needs, taking into account each patient's unique eye condition and lifestyle.

3. Weill Cornell Medicine - Laser Vision Center

Overview

Weill Cornell Medicine's Laser Vision Center is committed to providing excellent vision correction services. The center believes that a strong doctor - patient relationship is the cornerstone of vision correction surgery success. Their surgeons personally perform all preoperative and postoperative care, ensuring a high level of personalized attention for each patient. The first visit is complimentary, allowing patients to meet the extraordinary staff members and experience the state - of - the - art facility. Safety is the team's top priority.

Treatment Options

• LASIK (Laser - Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis): A popular laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors.
• PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Involves removing the outer layer of the cornea and then using a laser to reshape the underlying tissue.
• Evo Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens): An implantable lens that corrects common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. Unlike laser vision correction surgeries that permanently change the shape of the cornea, the Evo Visian ICL procedure is additive, meaning that no corneal tissue is removed. Worldwide, more than 2 million Evo Visian ICL lenses have been implanted.

Benefits of Evo Visian ICL

• Provides sharp, clear vision.
• Does not cause dry eye syndrome, a common concern with laser vision correction surgeries.
• Has a quick procedure and recovery with minimal downtime.
• Is a great option for people with thin corneas.
• Has built - in UV protection.
• Is designed for permanent vision correction but can be removed for added peace of mind.

State - of - the - Art Equipment

The center's state - of - the - art laser center is owned and operated by the surgeons and is available exclusively for their patients. It is home to the Visx® Star S4 excimer laser system, one of the most advanced lasers available for LASIK eye surgery, and offers custom wavefront iris - registration treatments for perfect alignment. The surgeons also use a 60Hz Intralase femtosecond laser to perform blade - free LASIK surgery, ensuring safety, accuracy, and rapid visual recovery.

4. Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York

Overview

Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York (VRMNY) has been a leading institution in the field of eye care since 1960s. The eye surgeons at VRMNY are highly trained and experienced in various kinds of laser treatment for eyes. They first make an accurate diagnosis before deciding if laser eye surgery is the most appropriate treatment for a patient. The staff is known for being courteous and professional, and the office is spotless.

Conditions Treated

• Myopia or Nearsightedness: Laser surgery, such as LASIK, can adjust the cornea to improve nearsightedness by correcting the refractive error that causes problems seeing faraway objects clearly.
• Hyperopia or Farsightedness: The surgery can correct the shape of the cornea to ensure light focuses properly on the retina, improving the ability to see nearby objects clearly.
• Astigmatism: Laser surgery can correct the abnormally - shaped cornea or lens, leading to clearer vision when looking at both nearby and distant objects.
• Macular Degeneration: Advanced laser therapy may be able to treat age - related macular degeneration, which causes blurred vision due to a damaged macula.

Types of Laser Eye Surgery

• Panretinal Photocoagulation: Treats diseased or abnormal blood vessels in the retina or drainage system of the eye, preventing complications such as vitreous hemorrhage, scarring, and neovascular glaucoma.
• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): Combines photosensitizing agents and a laser light treatment to kill abnormal cells in the retina, used to treat vascular issues.
• Cryotherapy: Uses extreme cold to freeze and remove abnormal tissue in the eyelids or eyes, often used in combination with other eye surgeries.
• Focal Laser Technique: Seals leaking vessels or treats abnormalities in the eye’s blood vessels when there is a blood leak or fluid build - up in the retina.
• YAG Capsulotomy: Treats secondary cataracts (posterior capsule opacity), a common complication of cataract surgery, by removing the affected lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.
• Iridotomy: A procedure to surgically treat closed - angle glaucoma by creating a small hole in the iris to allow fluid to flow to the front of the eye and relieve pressure.
• Prophylactic Laser Technique: Prevents retinal detachment after another surgical procedure to treat vitreoretinal disorders by improving retinal adhesion to the back wall of the eye.
• Indirect Laser Technique: Allows doctors to treat different eye diseases with a thermal or hot laser, used to treat conditions such as retina tears, holes, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, and retinopathy of prematurity.

Locations

VRMNY has three locations in Manhattan, Westchester, and Brooklyn, each outfitted with state - of - the - art medical laser technology. This provides convenience for patients in different areas of New York City.

5. Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital

Overview

Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital is nationally ranked in 9 adult specialties. The hospital offers a wide range of eye - related services, including laser treatment for various eye conditions. It has a team of experienced surgeons who are well - versed in the latest laser technologies.

Notable Surgeon

Dr. Ken Moadel is an attending surgeon at the hospital and a specialist in refractive surgery. He is one of the most experienced surgeons in the U.S., having performed over 40,000 laser vision correction procedures. He has been recognized by New York Magazine as one of the top specialists in his field and has been featured on various media platforms such as NBC Nightly News, Vogue Magazine, and Fox 5 News.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Laser Treatment of Eye Pigmentation

• Surgeon's Experience: Look for surgeons with extensive experience in performing laser treatments for eye pigmentation. A skilled surgeon is more likely to achieve better results and minimize the risk of complications.
• Technology and Equipment: Advanced laser technology and up - to - date equipment are essential for safe and effective treatment. Hospitals that invest in the latest technology are more likely to provide high - quality care.
• Patient Reviews: Read