LASIK vs. Custom LASIK
Millions of patients have successfully undergone traditional LASIK surgery. Due to the popularity of the procedure, along with continuous advances in laser vision correction technology, surgeons and medical companies have developed an even more precise laser vision correction method -- Custom LASIK. This procedure, utilizing the latest in laser and computer technology, affords more precise eye tracking and allows surgeons to correct vision in a safer and more accurate manner than was possible through traditional LASIK. It also allows for the treatment of higher order aberrations.
Despite its advantages, Custom LASIK is not for everyone. It should be noted that the treatment comes at an additional cost. Whether or not the benefits of Custom LASIK merit the premium over LASIK surgery will depend on the individual. If you have considered undergoing refractive surgery to correct vision impairment and are wondering which technique is right for you, read below to learn more. We also encourage you to contact a local laser eye surgeon through our nationwide DocShop network.
Eye Measurements
In traditional LASIK surgery, eye measurements are taken in a manual fashion, the way they are taken when patients get an eyeglass prescription. While this method is effective and can produce improved visual results in patients, it does not account for the unique aberrations of the eyes.
In custom LASIK surgery, eye measurements are taken using Wavefront™ mapping equipment. The machine directs light at the eyes, which is then reflected back into the Wavefront™ system where a three-dimensional map of the eyes is recorded. In addition to recording the degree of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism in patients, the Wavefront™ system also maps out higher order aberrations that cause starbursts, ghosting, halos, and glare. This computerized corneal mapping allows for extremely precise treatment.
The Corneal Flap
The first step in traditional LASIK and custom LASIK surgery are the same; a corneal flap is created using either a microkeratome blade or an IntraLase® laser. After the corneal flap is pulled back, the exposed layers of inner corneal tissue can be reshaped with an excimer laser. Once the treatment is complete and the offending corneal tissue has been ablated, the flap will be put back in place and left to heal on its own, free of stitches or sutures. To ensure proper healing, eye patches may be prescribed for the first day following surgery and rigorous activity should be avoided for several weeks.
Laser Reshaping
During traditional LASIK surgery, the surgeon uses the patient's generic prescription to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. In the Custom LASIK procedure, the Wavefront™ map of the patient’s lower and higher order aberrations are used to guide the laser during the reshaping portion of the laser vision correction procedure. Custom LASIK systems also incorporate use of eye tracking technology to account for eye movement during surgery. These systems allow a doctor to correct vision impairment with unparalleled precision.
Although the quality of patients’ vision can be greatly improved with Custom LASIK, traditional LASIK offers excellent visual results as well and is still the most popular refractive surgery treatment on the market. The cost of traditional LASIK is significantly cheaper than Custom LASIK; in many cases traditional LASIK costs about half of the amount of custom LASIK.
Contact a LASIK Surgeon
If you are interested in undergoing permanent laser vision correction, contact a local LASIK surgeon to find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK treatment. Your doctor can answer any questions you may have and educate you on the treatment and recovery process so that you can make an informed decision regarding your health.
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