Wavefront LASIK - Wave for the Future

Originally invented by NASA for use in high-powered precision telescopes, Wavefront technology is now available for medical use. Custom LASIK  is a procedure that utilizes a wavefront analyzer to provide eye care professionals with a precise map of the whole optical system of the eye, not just it surface on the cornea. By detecting exactly how light passes through the eye, the analyzers produce a topographical-like diagram. This information is then programmed into an excimer laser enabling the surgeon to further customize the LASIK procedure to each patient’s eyes based on the patient’s aberrations.

Custom LASIK - Improving the Quality of Your Vision

Several types of visual imperfections, referred to as lower- and higher-order aberrations, can exist within the eye and affect both visual acuity and the quality of vision. Until now, only lower-order aberrations (such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism) could be measured and treated either with glasses or contacts or conventional LASIK treatments. Higher-order aberrations, often linked to the visual glare and halos that cause night vision problems, could not be corrected and continued to affect quality of vision.

With the advent of Wavefront technology and Custom LASIK, however, surgeons now have the diagnostic tools to measure 217 unique points along the optical pathway to determine and ultimately correct both lower- and higher-order aberrations. Custom LASIK has the potential now to not only correct how much you see, but also how well you see.

Who Can Benefit From Wavefront LASIK?

Approximately 80% of refractive errors are due to lower-order aberrations, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Higher-order aberrations are thought to account for the remaining 20%. Those patients with a significant amount of higher-order aberrations may not have satisfactory results with conventional LASIK. A Wavefront guided laser eye surgery like Wavefront LASIK may be the best way to treat their refractive errors. There is also evidence that a customized Wavefront LASIK surgery can yield crisper post-operative vision and reduce the chance of night vision problems and glare - even in patients with low to moderate amounts of higher-order aberrations. You can discuss these possibilities during the comprehensive eye evaluation and discussions with Dr Khalil, which usually takes somewhere between 30 minutes and 1 hour, or any longer if you have more questions to be answered.

What Results Have Been Achieved With Wavefront LASIK?

Conventional LASIK has been, and continues to be, a very successful procedure. All of our patients have improved vision, and almost 100% of patients can legally drive a car without glasses or contact lenses. Wavefront technology and Custom LASIK, however, have the potential to make good results even better, espicially so with those having more visual aberrations..