Custom LASIK Vision Correction FAQs

Just as traditional LASIK revolutionized the way eye care specialists treat vision problems, custom LASIK vision correction builds upon and improves this technology. Take a look at the following answers to some frequently asked questions, and find out why custom LASIK may be the right treatment for you.

What is custom LASIK?

Flaws in vision that cannot be corrected with conventional LASIK can sometimes be addressed by custom LASIK. This advanced type of LASIK uses Wavefront™ technology, a system of microsensors and wavelight that digitally records aberrations in vision and directs the laser to the problem areas. Custom LASIK is known for its accuracy and its ability to correct higher order visual aberrations. The procedure is also said to be the safest treatment option in the field of vision correction surgery.

How is custom LASIK different than traditional LASIK?

Custom LASIK builds on the revolutionary technology employed by conventional LASIK. For example, conventional LASIK only treats vision problems known as lower order aberrations, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Custom LASIK, however, treats both lower order and higher order aberrations. Higher order aberrations affect your ability to see fine details in your environment. By correcting both types of aberrations, custom LASIK has the potential to provide you with better vision than you can get from glasses or contact lenses.

Will I need glasses after custom LASIK?

As with any surgical procedure, there are no guarantees. However, the likelihood of achieving 20/20 vision or better is greater with custom LASIK vision correction than with standard LASIK. Custom LASIK can even give patients visual acuity that is superior to what contact lenses or glasses provide.

Will custom LASIK vision correction help my night vision?

In addition to possibly attaining 20/20 vision, patients who undergo custom LASIK are more likely to achieve better night vision than patients who undergo traditional LASIK vision correction. Also, the risk of losing contrast sensitivity is diminished with custom LASIK.

Is custom LASIK more effective than traditional LASIK?

Given that custom LASIK can treat higher order visual aberrations that cause problems such as starbursts, halos, and decreased contrast sensitivity, custom LASIK appears to be more effective than traditional LASIK. There is also a lower risk of complications with custom LASIK, and the Wavefront™ mapping technology used in the procedure gives eye care specialists an incredibly accurate and precise means of locating and correcting problems within the eye. In addition, studies show the possibility of achieving 20/20 vision is higher with custom LASIK. Learn more about custom LASIK benefits.

What is Wavefront™ technology?

Custom LASIK Wavefront™ technology customizes laser vision correction to each patient's individual vision flaws. Wavefront™ directs microsensors and wavelight from a laser beam onto the back of the eye. This laser light is reflected back out of the eye, and information containing any corneal irregularities is digitized onto a 3-D map. This "blueprint" for your eye transfers visual aberration data to the laser that will be used for reshaping the cornea during custom LASIK surgery. This technique provides the most precise and accurate results from any laser vision correction system in use thus far. Learn more about Wavefront™ technology.

Can custom LASIK be performed as an all-laser procedure?

There is one method of LASIK that can ease patients' fears of a cutting instrument being used on their eyes: the Intralase® laser vision correction system. Intralase® is the only laser system that has been approved for the creation of corneal flaps, the first step in laser vision surgery. Intralase® is entirely blade free and offers a level of precision and safety that is considerably advancing LASIK procedures. Intralase® technology is extremely fast and precise, allowing the eye care specialist to program exact corneal flap information into the computer in order to guide the laser. There have been more than 600,000 IntraLASIK procedures performed with no reports of significant complications.

Is custom LASIK vision correction covered by insurance?

Although there are many different ways of financing custom LASIK costs, most medical insurance companies consider the surgery an elective procedure and will not provide coverage. However, financing companies such as Capital One® Healthcare Finance and Care Credit® offer a variety of options to help with costs.

Which custom LASIK system is best?

There are many different kinds of custom LASIK systems that utilize Wavefront™ mapping technology, including VISX® CustomVue™, LADARVision® CustomCornea®, Wavelight Allegretto Wave™, and Bausch & Lomb Technolas® Zyoptix™. All of these custom LASIK vision correction technologies incorporate the three-part LASIK procedure, including the initial mapping of the eye, creation of the corneal flap, and corneal reshaping. Some lasers are more suited for people with particular conditions. Your LASIK surgeon can provide you with specific information about the type of custom LASIK technology he or she uses.

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Custom LASIK vision correction builds on the revolutionary technology of traditional LASIK and provides treatment for higher order refractive errors while reducing the risk of complications. Plus, patients who are not candidates for traditional LASIK may qualify for custom LASIK. Talk to an eye care specialist in your area and find out if you qualify for this state-of-the-art vision correction procedure.