LASIK Eye Surgery and Wavefront

Though considered a fairly new procedure, LASIK eye surgery is changing the way people view the world. LASIK stands for Laser in Situ Keratomileusis and the procedure involves removing the need for corrective lenses permanently. Though Ophthalmologists have been performing LASIK surgeries for at least fifty years, it was not until the mid 1990s that clinical testing began. Due to its increase in popularity, effectiveness, and tremendous benefit to the patient, LASIK eye surgeries have become one of the preferred treatments for myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia.

The procedure is two fold. The first involves making a flap in the cornea of the eye. The second, allows the doctor to manually reshape the lens and perform any corrective procedures that are necessary to restore vision. Due to the newness of LASIK eye surgery, many innovative techniques and methods are being unveiled causing even greater success rates and results.

One of the newest technologies being utilized with LASIK eye surgery is called Wavefront. Amazingly, Wavefront is technology that was first in use by astronomers. It involves using a laser light beam that is aimed at the eye, then when the light is reflected off of the retina, it shows all of the imperfections or in a sense a map of the eye. This is how we determine information about stars, our solar system, and galaxies. The ophthalmologist can then devise a course of action or treatment that is tailored to the exact needs of each eye.

One of the interesting things to note about the power of Wavefront technology is that it allows for a precise map of every individual eye. You may have noticed that many people can share the same prescription for glasses. This is in reference to the fact that many corrective lenses are prescribed on a general level of vision needs. While Wavefront technology is more specific, unlike glasses, everyone has a unique Wavefront measurement.

Currently, three main LASIK tools use Wavefront. They are LADARWave Customized Ablation System, VISX Custom Vue System, and the Zyoptix System. The Custom Vue procedure uses the trademarked WaveScan, or Wavefront technology, to map the eye. The benefits of using Wavefront are seen in the results. In clinical studies, after being treated with LASIK surgery and Wavefront, 70% of the patients had better than 20/20 vision.

Wavefront technology is an incredible benefit to those who are undergoing LASIK eye procedures. Having a detailed map of each eye makes surgery successful and more advantageous.