169 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905
Phone: 607-798-5991
Welcome to Lourdes
Ophthalmology Surgery / Laser Treatment Center!
Lasers have been used in health care for many years. Since 1988,
Lourdes Hospital has been using this innovative technology for many
types of surgery: general, eye, plastic, oral, podiatry,
dermatology, gynecology, and ear, nose, & throat. The future
promises to bring additional applications and innovations to the
medical laser field.
What is a Laser?
LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification through Stimulated
Emission of Radiation. A laser is a tool which emits a specific
color and intensity of light. This concentrated light can be used
as a surgical instrument. The color and intensity of the light beam
determines its effectiveness for a specific medical treatment.
Lasers receive their color, and are named for, the materials used
to produce the light (e.g., Argon, Krypton, Ruby, and Carbon
Dioxide).
How Does a Laser Work?
Lasers heat the body tissue being treated. A doctor uses a laser
the same way a scalpel would be used to cut tissue. The light is so
concentrated and precisely directed that the surrounding tissue is
not affected.
What are the
Advantages of Using a Laser?
Lasers allow doctors to make small incisions. Many patients
experience less bleeding, less pain, less chance of infection, and
have a shorter recovery time when a laser is used. Though lasers
are state-of-the-art tools, they do not guarantee the treatment
will be easier or faster. Your doctor, a skilled professional who
knows your health care needs, is the best person to advise you
whether or not your treatment should include laser services.
Are Lasers Safe?
Yes. The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets
guidelines for the safe operation of medical lasers. Lourdes
Hospital follows these guidelines strictly. Laser light is very
powerful and you will be given protective eyewear if the choice of
laser treatment requires it. There is no x-ray radiation present in
the laser beam, which means it can be used during pregnancy without
harm to the baby.
What are the Quality
Guidelines?
In addition to federal guidelines, Lourdes Hospital studied
guidelines from major laser care centers across the country. With
this information, Lourdes established strict standards for laser
safety and training. The laser team consists of specially trained
nurses, technicians, and doctors. They are continuously improving
their knowledge and skills by attending progressive, specialized
institutes throughout the country. Lourdes, a regional leader in
laser assisted surgeries and treatments, has introduced many laser
procedures to the area.
Lourdes Ophthalmology Surgery / Laser Treatment
Center has been designed with you in mind. Lasers for use
in skin and eye treatments are located in a comfortable hospital
setting located on the main floor inside the Atrium.
Convenient parking is available in Lot D. Turn into the main
entrance of the hospital at West Drive (across from Kneeland
Avenue). Proceed past the Emergency Room and DePaul Pavilion to
parking lot D at the rear of the hospital. The parking area is
labeled "Ambulatory Surgery Parking." Please enter the hospital
through the Ozanam entrance at the rear of the hospital. Proceed to
elevators 1 & 2. Take elevators 1 & 2 to the main floor. As
you get off the elevator, there is a hallway to the right; follow
this hallway to the Atrium located on your left. Please check in
with the Secretary in the Ophthalmology Surgery / Laser Treatment
Center. The entrance to the Center is located across from the gift
shop/café. If you have any special needs (e.g., wheelchair) or any
questions, please do not hesitate to call:
- Preadmission Testing at 607-798-5791 or
- Ambulatory Surgery at 607-798-5321.
For general inquiries, call Lourdes Ophthalmology Surgery /
Laser Treatment Center at 607-798-5991.
FOR YOUR VISION
Learn more about lasers are used to treat these ophthalmological
conditions: Cataract, Glaucoma, and Macular Degeneration.
LASERS AND DERMATOLOGY
Learn more about how lasers are used in the treatment of these
dermatological conditions: Facial Telangiectasias, Pigmented Lesions, Spider Veins, Vascular Lesions, and Tattoo Removal.
