With all the various clinics employing different types of laser eye surgery, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Some patients have a laissez-faire attitude towards their surgery; after all, doesn’t your laser eye surgeon automatically use the latest most effective technology to perform the procedure? Yes, but there are several distinct methods currently in use, so it’s a good idea to know what to expect from the various procedures and who is a good candidate for each. This month we’ll profile the Wavefront LASIK technique, which is also known as Custom LASIK.
Telescope technology for incredibly precise results
Wavefront LASIK uses cutting edge laser vision technology to deliver a result that is as unique as your own eyes are. Using incredible technology adapted from the same kind that allows the Hubble Telescope to take such laser sharp images, Custom Wavefront LASIK uses light to take 3-D measurements of the eye to create a precise map of its contours. This allows the lasers to reshape the surface of the cornea according to this precise map, correcting vision according to the person’s actual needs rather than according to a standard template.
Features of the Wavefront procedure
Wavefront LASIK is considered to be a very safe procedure and it’s one that is being practiced more and more by surgeons who are willing to invest in the latest equipment and techniques. Some features of the Wavefront procedure include:
- Measures your eye’s ability to focus light rays from the inside out to ensure that any irregularities or imperfections, not just the more common ones, can be properly corrected
- Uses a computer guided laser programmed by the surgeon, as opposed to a manual technique
- Improves not only vision as measured by the eye chart, but actual vision outcomes.
It’s interesting to note that ‘perfect vision’ really does seem to be in the eye of the beholder. After standard LASIK, while some patients have perfect 20/20 vision, they still report issues with glare and halos, especially at night. Custom Wavefront LASIK seems to reduce these negative outcomes because it is able to treat the less common refractive errors – that is, in addition to treating myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness) and astigmatism, like conventional LASIK does, Custom Wavefront LASIK also treats other less-common irregularities that can lead to post-surgical problems such as decreased ability to see contrasting details and poor night vision. Custom Wavefront corrects all abnormalities in the cornea, leading to generally better outcomes for patients.
Is Wavefront LASIK right for you?
Wavefront technology has been around for over a decade now, yet it still hasn’t completely supplanted conventional LASIK, despite the improved outcomes. The reason is that Wavefront LASIK removes more corneal tissue than does traditional LASIK, so patients who have already had eye surgery or have naturally thin corneas may not be able to choose Wavefront. The same goes for patients at the extreme high end of the prescription range. As with all laser eye surgery, to qualify, your eyes must be healthy and without any complications such as dry eye.
If you’re considering laser eye surgery, let your journey begin at Toronto Eye Care. Our doctors only recommend the most trusted and competent laser eye surgeons in Toronto. We have built strategic and longstanding relationships with the leading laser surgery centres in the city – Bochner Eye Institute, Crystal Clear Vision and TLC Laser Eye Centres, whose experienced surgeons have facilitated thousands of successful laser eye procedures through our clinics.
Take your first step by scheduling a consultation with your Toronto Eye Care doctor to discuss your vision goals.
