A wavelight laser is used for delivering wavefront-optimized laser eye surgery. Called wavefront-optimized LASIK, this eye treatment is based on many factors such as the patient’s corneal curvature, corneal thickness, and glasses prescription. The technique of treatment is to apply laser energy along the corneal peripheries. The laser treatment has proven results such as reduced glare, halos and visual aberrations when ambient light is low.
Is wavefront-guided LASIK worth it?
Also called custom LASIK, the treatment in the wavefront-guided methodology is similar to conventional LASIK laser eye treatment, but the different is that this treatment not only addresses a person’s refractive error, but also high aberrations if any.
Before surgery, special mapping is conducted at Sugarland Eye & Laser Center in Houston to check if there are irregularities in the patient’s vision. The quality of vision is affected if the scale of irregularities is severe. The patient experiences sensitivity to contrast and problems with night vision. A wavefront mapping identifies such irregularities and treatment is based on the generated wavefront map.
Types of refractive surgery
Although LASIK is one option, there are several other refractive surgery types for patients.
*Advanced surface ablation – Advanced surface ablation (ASA) techniques use the excimer laser to correct the shape of the cornea, but there is no corneal flap created. ASA include laser subepithelia keratomileusis (LASEK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and epipolis laser in situ keratomileusis (Epi-LASIK). In ASA, the epithelium, which is the superficial corneal layer, is removed. Excimer laser ablation is performed after this.
*Phakic intraocular lenses – This treatment is for people with severe myopia. When LASIK and ASA are not feasible, this Phakic intraocular lens is the only option. Eye surgeons implant this lens inside the eye of a patient. The treatment can potentially resolve myopia up to -20 diopters.
*Conductive keratoplasty – This technique is used only for short-term resolution of hyperopia or presbyopia. In Conductive keratoplasty, radiofrequency waves are hihglighted on the peripheral regions of the cornea. The cornea shrinks and the center steeps. Conductive keratoplasty is considered safe, but its results are not long-lasting. Patients may experience regression of results in some years.
*Intracorneal ring segments – In the U.S., intracorneal ring segments an approved treatment methodology for patients with low myopia or keratoconus. Eye doctors implant micro-thin segments that are made of plastic in the corneal peripheries. The objective is to flatten the corneal center. After implantation, the rings remain oblivious to the patient, given that they cannot be felt. The rings can also be removed. Their results are completely reversible as well. This treatment is prescribed for patients with myopic conditions up to -3 diopters.
What are the primary types of refractive error that can be corrected with LASIK?
*Myopia – Also called nearsightedness, is caused when the eye is not able to focus on distant objects clearly. The length of the eyes and its focusing power is under a mismatch, and hence this condition.
*Hyperopia – Hyperopia is the opposite of myopia.
*Astigmatism – Astigmatism is caused due to distortion of corneal or lens shape and causes visual aberrations.
Source:
www.eyeworld.org
Sugarland Eye & Laser Center leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The Center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS and Air Force fighter pilots. At Sugarland Eye & Laser Center, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478 or visit us at www.houston-lasik.com.
About the Author
Amjad Khokhar, M.D. is Chief LASIK Surgeon at Sugarland Eye & Laser Center. Add Dr. Khokhar on Google+ here.
:
are you a Candidate?
find out in 30 seconds
what will it cost me?
get a binding quote now
schedule your lasik!
book for surgery online
