Custom LASIK

Custom LASIK: A Personalized Approach to Correcting Vision

LASIK is an excellent solution to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This procedure has been helping people achieve clearer vision for more than two decades. Traditional LASIK uses pre-determined measurements to correct vision. However, Custom LASIK offers a personalized approach to correcting and enhancing vision. In this article, we will discuss in detail how Custom LASIK differs from traditional LASIK and its benefits.

What is Custom LASIK?

Custom LASIK, also known as Wavefront LASIK or Custom Wavefront LASIK, is a type of LASIK surgery that uses computerized systems to create a 3D map of the eye. This map provides a detailed analysis of the irregularities in the cornea, which can even be so subtle they may not be detected with traditional LASIK procedures.

Using this map, your surgeon can determine the optimal shape for the cornea to correct your vision, rather than just relying on general measurements. This enhances both the precision of the laser and accuracy of the procedure, resulting in a personalized treatment plan that is unique to your eyes.

How Does Custom LASIK Work?

Custom LASIK combines two technology advancements to offer personalized lens prescriptions:

1. Aberrometry: Aberrometers are devices that measure the eye’s refractive error. They create a detailed map of the cornea, highlighting the tiny imperfections and distortions responsible for vision problems. Using this information, the surgeon calculates the kind of vision correction required, creating a custom prescription for surgical correction.

2. Wavefront Technology: Wavefront technology takes things to the next level by providing even more precise measurements of visual flaws. The wavefront analyzer beam sends light that passes through several layers of the eye, measuring the way rays of light are distorted and assessing how abnormalities affect light waves’ travel through the eye. Wavefront analysis highlights vision errors beyond simple nearsightedness or farsightedness.

While Aberrometry provides accurate measurement, sophisticated wavefront analysis systems discern high-order aberrations. These include vision breakdowns such as halos, glare, blurriness, and double vision, which are not typically detected with standard LASIK.

The surgeon will use both Aberrometry and Wavefront Technology to map your eye’s unique optics and finely customize the LASIK procedure while avoiding the possible overcorrection or under-correction.

What are the Benefits of Custom LASIK?

Custom LASIK has several benefits that give it an edge over traditional LASIK, which include:

1. More Precise Results: As the name implies, Custom LASIK provides personalized treatment that addresses more subtle errors, leading to better and more predictable results which can be life-changing.

2. Improved Night Vision: Patients who undergo Custom LASIK have reported better night vision with fewer issues like glare, halos, or starbursts.

3. Reduced Risk of Complications: Since it’s highly customized for your eye, there is a decreased risk of over or undercorrection. The risks of complications like glare, halos, and dry eyes also become lower with Custom LASIK.

4. Increased Success Rate: Studies suggest that Custom LASIK has a higher success rate, with a higher percentage of patients achieving 20/20 vision.

5. Enhanced Patient Experience: With the real-time, 3D visualization technology available with Custom LASIK, patients feel more confident and comfortable with their decision to undergo corrective surgery.

Is Custom LASIK Right for You?

If you’re considering LASIK, it’s critical to discuss all options available to you with an experienced ophthalmologist who has performed Lasik surgery in a variety of patients and their unique conditions. The surgeon will evaluate your eyes, review your medical history and assess your eye care goals. If you are a good candidate and want the best possible results, Custom LASIK may be your preferred option. Personalized treatment, thanks to wavefront analysis, is fantastic, but it may not be the best option for everyone, and the surgeon will determine the best course of action for your eyes.

In conclusion, the goal of LASIK is to make a permanent alteration to the shape of your cornea so that your vision can be improved. Custom LASIK is an advancement in technology that combines sophisticated analysis and digital mapping to achieve this goal with precise accuracy. It is highly customized, reduces the risk of complications, and offers better results than traditional LASIK. Make sure to discuss this option with your ophthalmologist to arrive at the decision that is right for your eyes and your vision goals!