Custom Wavefront-Guided LASIK

90% or more of optical aberrations are due to the distortion of light rays which pass through the imperfect cornea. These aberrations created common refraction errors such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism which can be corrected by optical devices and conventional laser eye surgery such as LASIK, PRK etc.

Another 10% of optical aberrations are due to “higher order aberrations” such as chromatic aberration, spherical aberration, diffraction, curvature of field, coma, trefoils and quadrafoils. These only affect a small group of people, i.e. about 10% to 15% of population. However, each case of higher order aberration is unique to individual patient. To correct this type of vision problem, Wavefront-guided LASIK could be the best option. This technique provides a completely customized reshaping of cornea.

Wavefront-Guided LASIK is also known as Custom Wavefront LASIK. It is an advance type of vision correction procedure which uses Wavelight Allegretto excimer laser. It is the same technology used by astronomers to sharpen distorted objects’ image at distances. This wavefront measurement technique could detect the specific topography of each unique individual eye’s surface which could not be obtained using standard LASIK measurement. With this advance technique, this procedure could provide a near-perfect vision and helps to avoid night vision side effects.

Custom Wavefront LASIK procedure is about the same as standard LASIK. The difference is the technology used. Firstly, higher order optical aberrations are measured using Aberrometer System to create a corneal map. The surgeon will then proceed with the cutting of flap using either blade or laser. Corneal map created earlier by Wavefront diagnostic will then be used as guidance for corneal ablation. With Wavefront-guided ablation, surgeons are allowed to ablate deeper and fix higher order aberrations.

Although Wavefront-guided LASIK can provide superior vision quality, patients with thin corneas are not the candidates as this procedure requires deeper ablations. Besides that, people with large pupils might not be able to undergo this procedure too due to its limited zone for ablations.

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