Custom LASIK

Custom LASIK

Custom LASIK is also known as wavefront guided lasik eye surgery. This advancement in wavefront lasik came as the result of measuring visual imperfections. These visual imperfections are known lower and higher order aberrations. Typically, the lower order aberrations are very treatable with glasses, contact lenses and even conventional lasik. The higher order aberrations were not as easily treated. These higher order aberrations often showed up in a patient’s vision as glare and halos. Prior to Custom LASIK these aberrations were apparent and affected the vision of many people. When wavefront technology became approved by the FDA, ophthalmologists now had a diagnostic tool that could help measure these aberrations and furthermore use this data to make a more precise laser treatment.

Custom LASIK or wavefront guided lasik is truly revolutionary because it can actually improve your contrast sensitivity not just your actual visual acuity or how much you can see. Please read below to get a more thorough explanation of wavefront technology and this amazing advancement in LASIK technology. If you are seeking lasik in Chicago it is important to consider your options for not only a great visual outcome but the importance of contrast sensitivity in your overall vision.

“Fingerprint” of the Eye

Wavefront analysis works by measuring the distortion or irregularities of the eye, known as higher-order aberrations. When a ray of light first enters the eye, it passes through the cornea to the lens and vitreous, ultimately reaching the retina. As it bounces off the retina and returns back through the cornea, the wavefront analysis detects and documents these distortions, which are unique to each individual. Because each patient has a unique visual optical system, the wavefront data has been likened to a fingerprint.

Custom LASIK

Once the wavefront data has been documented for an individual patient, the next step is to use this information to utilize the excimer laser to correct the higher-order visual aberrations. The surgeon can then determine what adjustments must be made to the corneal surface to produce a clear, crisp image for the unique individual needs of each patient. The use of wavefront technology to provide a more precise laser vision correction is known as, "Custom LASIK" or "Wavefront-Driven LASIK". Early data suggests that the 5-10 percent of patients who demonstrate higher-order aberrations are the patients that will significantly benefit from Custom LASIK treatments. Other patients may benefit from Custom LASIK to a smaller degree.

Advantages of Wavefront Technology and Custom LASIK

1. An increased opportunity for obtaining better than 20/20 vision

2. A patient is less likely to loose contrast sensitivity

3. Custom LASIK offers better night vision while driving. Night Vision may be difficult even for people with perfect vision that have never needed glasses or contact lenses.

4. A patient is less likely to lose best-corrected vision (The "best corrected" vision is the visual acuity with the best vision prescription for that person. Each eye is tested separately, although the vision may be slightly better when both eyes are tested together.)