Dr. Christian E. Song, MD is an ophthalmologist in Lexington, MA specializing in ophthalmology (eye disease) and surgery. He graduated from New York University (NYU) School of Medicine. Dr. Christian E. Song, MD is affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital and Massachusetts Eye and Ear.
110 Hartwell Avenue
Lexington, MA 02421
243 Charles Street
Boston, MA 02114
Eye Problems
Millions of people every year have problems with their eyes. Some of the most common eye problems are refractive disorders, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and cataracts.
Refractive disorders happen when the shape of the eye doesn't let allow someone focus very precisely. They might be myopic (nearsighted), hyperopic (farsighted), or have an astigmatism, which is a focus problem caused by the cornea. Refractive disorders can be corrected by glasses or contacts.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. It happens when fluid pressure builds up within the eye and damages the optic nerve. It is treated with medications and surgery.
Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. The retina is tissue at the back of the eye that is filled with numerous, tiny blood vessels. When diabetes damages these delicate blood vessels, they burst or leak, leading to blind spots and blurred vision. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated with laser therapy and surgery, but often vision cannot be restored.
Macular degeneration is common in older adults. The macula is the central part of the retina and is responsible for crisp center vision. Over time, the cells in the macula begin to die, making central vision blurry. An early symptom of macular degeneration is that straight lines appear wavy.
Cataracts happen when the clear lens in the front of the eye becomes cloudy, making things look blurry or faded. They are extremely common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans will have had a cataract. In early stages, prescription glasses and magnifying lenses can help. As the cataracts get worse, surgery to replace the lens may be the best option.
More than just one of the five senses, the eyes are heavily relied upon to communicate, work, and get around every day. It's important to have regular eye exams for vision stays in good shape for years to come.
LASIK
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure that improves vision by permanently correcting refractive vision errors. Refractive vision errors are sight problems (such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism) that typically require patients to wear contact lenses or glasses. Nearsightedness (myopia) causes blurred vision at a distance, while farsightedness (hyperopia) makes objects that are up close appear blurry. Astigmatism results in blurred vision at both near and far distances. Each eye is either nearsighted or farsighted, and can additionally have astigmatism. These refractive vision errors develop from imperfections in the curvature of the eye, which LASIK fixes through the use of a laser. The laser changes the shape of the eye by cutting away tissue from the cornea (clear outer layer of the eye).
LASIK is generally considered an elective procedure (not medically necessary) since patients can wear glasses or contact lenses instead of undergoing LASIK. Nevertheless, many people still elect to undergo LASIK to have better vision without having to wear corrective lenses. Certain professionals, such as pilots, military members, firefighters, and athletes, might particularly benefit from LASIK.
Ophthalmologists (eye doctors) evaluate patients before surgery, measuring the cornea and checking for any eye irregularities that would disqualify patients from LASIK. A special eye scanner is used to create a map of the cornea. This map guides the surgeon in developing an individualized LASIK treatment plan. Once approved for LASIK, contact-wearers are advised to switch to glasses for the three weeks leading up to their surgery.
LASIK is a brief procedure, lasting for about half an hour, depending on the state of a patient's eyes and the corneal reshaping required. Patients lie down on a reclining chair and have numbing eye drops applied to one or both eyes to eliminate pain and discomfort during the procedure. While the eyes are held open by a device, the eye surgeon raises a fixation light where patients direct their eyes. The surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to cut a precise circular incision in the cornea's surface. The surgeon then manually folds back the corneal flap to access the stroma (inner cornea).
An excimer laser is then used to remove certain amounts of corneal tissue. For patients with farsightedness, the laser cuts tissue on the outer regions of the cornea, making the central cornea more prominent. For patients with nearsightedness, the opposite is done; central corneal tissue is removed while the outer tissue is left alone, flattening the eye. In patients with astigmatism, the laser is used to even out the surface of the corneal tissue, making the eye more spherical. When the lasering process is complete, the ophthalmologist folds the corneal flap to its regular position. The flap quickly begins to heal and naturally reattach itself to the eye.
LASIK patients need someone to drive them home from the procedure and cannot drive for the following 24 hours. Recovery from LASIK lasts about five days. Patients typically notice improved vision within a day or two of surgery. Prescription eye drops are given to patients to alleviate discomfort and promote eye healing. During this recovery time, patients must be incredibly careful not to touch or rub their eyes. Ophthalmologists often instruct patients to wear protective glasses during the day and night to prevent potential damage from eye rubbing.
LASIK can improve the experience of certain activities such as swimming or reading, and in some cases, LASIK can be a life-changing procedure for those with severe refractive vision errors. LASIK may also save patients money by eliminating the recurring need for updated corrective lenses.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Christian E. Song, MD for Medicare patients.
The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Christian E. Song, MD treated as an ophthalmologist in Lexington, MA were eye procedures, ultrasound (sonogram), lacrimal (tearing system) procedures and capsulotomy.
| 28 | |
| 200 | |
| 1416 | |
| 28 | |
| 28 | |
| 32 |
Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christian E. Song, MD.
| 289 | |
| 204 |
| 24 | |
| 28 | |
| 394 | |
| 20 | |
| 20 |
| 49 | |
| 148 | |
| 65 | |
| 230 |
The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Christian E. Song, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and diabetes.
| 48 | |
| 32 | |
| 3 | |
| 19 | |
| 15 | |
| 15 | |
| 6 | |
| 8 | |
| 8 | |
| 6 | |
| 18 | |
| 6 | |
| 5 | |
| 8 |
Dr. Christian E. Song, MD graduated from New York University (NYU) School of Medicine. He is certified by the Ophthalmology, American Board of Ophthalmology and has a state license in Massachusetts.
Medical School: New York University (NYU) School of Medicine
Board Certification: Ophthalmology, American Board of Ophthalmology
Licensed In: Massachusetts
Dr. Christian E. Song, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Christian E. Song, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.71 out of 5 stars based on 192 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Christian E. Song, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Lexington, MA.
These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Christian E. Song, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
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$731
CataractEquipment $171 |
Durezol $143 |
AcrySof $129 |
Cataract Equipment $104 |
ReSTOR $99 |
Other $84 |
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$371
RESTASIS $217 |
COMBIGAN $137 |
LUMIGAN $17 |
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$351
$351 |
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|
$337
XIIDRA $316 |
$21 |
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$231
XELPROS $105 |
CEQUA $52 |
Bromsite $49 |
XELPROS (latanoprost ophthalmic emulsion) 0.005% $25 |
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$680
Optics $173 |
PROLENSA $86 |
INVELTYS $46 |
VisuMax $39 |
Avenova $39 |
Other $296 |
| $2,685 | |
| $15 |
Dr. Christian Song is a physician who specializes in surgery and ophthalmology (eye disease). Dr. Song graduated from New York University (NYU) School of Medicine and then he performed his residency at a hospital affiliated with New York University (NYU). In his practice, he is particularly interested in LASIK and cataracts. In addition to English, he speaks Korean. His hospital/clinic affiliations include Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Massachusetts General Hospital.
