Home » What is Wavefront LASIK Eye Surgery?

What is Wavefront LASIK Eye Surgery?


Watch the Laser Eye Surgery Animation

LASIK is a corneal reshaping procedure that combines the precision of excimer laser technology with the rapid visual recovery of making a corneal flap. Because of its improved accuracy, safety, and fast recovery time, LASIK surgery is has become the procedure of choice for correcting a large variety of refractive errors throughout much of the world. The LASIK procedure itself consists of four key steps. Only "eye drop anesthesia" is required. The entire procedure takes about five minutes per eye (both eyes can be done the same day).

STEPS OF THE LASIK PROCEDURE

STEP ONE

Using Wavefront technology, we take a “fingerprint” image and map of your entire optical system. This detailed information is evaluated by the surgeon and is transferred to the laser.


STEP TWO

An Intralase Femtosecond laser is used to create the corneal flap with the safety and precision of a computer-controlled laser beam. The surgeon then gently folds this flap back to prepare the eye for the treatment laser.

 

STEP THREE

A cool laser beam is used to reshape the cornea and eliminate sources of aberration. There are multiple tracking and alignment systems in place to ensure both safety and accuracy throughout your entire procedure.

 

STEP FOUR

Finally, the protective flap that was created in step two is gently placed back in its original position. The cornea begins healing immediately and you can return home.

 

 

CLICK HERE to see a presentation by the NY Times on Wavefront LASIK.

Wavefront Lasik: tHE NEXT GENERATION OF EYE SURGERY

No two eyes are the same. Like your DNA or fingerprint, your vision is unique. Until now, laser vision correction trea- tment was based on diagnostic technology similar to that used for the prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Wavefront LASIK at LaserVue Eye Center takes laser vision correction to an entirely new, personalized level by combining exclusive diagnostic technology with the excimer laser.

The advanced diagnostic portion of the wavefront technology produces a precise, detailed analysis of your vision and provides a custom laser vision correction plan that addresses your individual needs. This Wavefront data is coordinated with the VISX STAR S4 & Alcon Allegretto Wave Excimer Laser System to create a new level of vision, comfort, and safety.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF WAVEFRONT LASIK

Wavefront technology is groundbreaking because it has the potential to improve not only how much you can see, visual acuity measured by the standard 20/20 eye chart, but also how well you can see, in terms of contrast sensitivity and fine detail. This translates into a reduced risk of glare, halos and difficulty with night vision post-LASIK. How much you see depends on what lower order aberrations you have; lower order aberrations are also called refractive errors and include myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Traditional LASIK treats these lower order aberrations. How well you see can depends on what higher order aberrations you have; higher order aberrations are irregularities other than refractive errors, and can cause such problems as decreased contrast sensitivity or night vision, glare, shadows, and halos. Higher order aberrations do not always affect vision. Wavefront LASIK treats both lower and higher order aberrations.

WAVEFRONT LASIK ADVANTAGES:

* Greater chance of achieving 20/20 vision
* Greater chance of achieving better than 20/20 vision
* Reduced chance of losing best-corrected vision
* Reduced chance of losing visual quality or contrast sensitivity
* Reduced chance of night vision disturbances and glare

Potential also exists for custom LASIK to treat those people who have lost best-corrected vision from previous refractive surgery.

WAVEFRONT TECHNOLOGY HELPS LASERVUE DOCTORS TO:

* Assess whether you may be a good candidate for custom Wavefront laser vision correction
* Verify the accuracy of your glasses prescription
* Personalize your laser treatment plan to your eyes' unique focusing ability

WHY WE'VE CHOSEN THE ilasik™ SYSTEM AT LASERVUE:

* iLASIK System (Blade-Free Wavefront LASIK) includes a diagnostic wavefront analysis device that maps the entire optical path of the eye. This Wavefront data, called "A Fingerprint of Your Vision™," provides LaserVue doctors with precise and detailed information about your vision. This is used to program the laser for precise, personalized treatment. Wavefront diagnostics provides a new level of diagnostic information previously unavailable. Wavefront LASIK is becoming the gold standard in vision correction.

* With iLASIK's exclusive 3D eye-tracking technology and auto-centering, the laser detects and compensates for small eye movements in all three dimensions by guiding the laser beam to keep it centered precisely over the treatment area.

* iLASIK's Exclusive SmartBeam™ technology adjusts beam size according to treatment, minimizing corneal tissue removal and allowing for fast, smooth treatment with precise corneal shaping.

WAVEFRONT FAQ

*Not all patients are candidates for LASIK. Candidacy must be determined by a medical professional. Risks, side-effects, and realistic expectations will be discussed during your exam prior to LASIK.