Higher order aberrations only occur in a small amount of the population, but are unique according to each patient. No two aberrations are exactly the same, and this is why wavefront guided technology is becoming a very popular treatment – it produces a completely individual mapping of the eye, which can more effectively guide the reshaping of the cornea.

Before treatment, aberrations are mapped using an Aberrometer, which then guides the laser across the cornea. Aberrometers work by sending light into the eye, and any errors in its reflection back to the device are captured. All higher and lower aberrations are then displayed as 3D images.

During treatment this data is interfaced with the LASIK system. In this way, each movement of the laser is precise according to your individual aberrations. The system scans the eye so quickly that it also accounts for any tiny movements in the eye to produce accurate results for the best vision possible.

Wavefront guided LASIK is the only way to correct higher order aberrations. Spherical aberration is one of the most common problems that wavefront is excellent at treating. This system produces excellent results due to its individual mapping, and patients will be informed  by their vision specialist as to whether this is the right option for them.

Wavefront data is used to create a very precise treatment for each eye.  Because of the precision attained from the mapping of many different data points in the eye, this procedure can be very effective at curing many higher order aberrations.  The higher resolution the laser mapping can create (which basically means, the more data points used), the better and more accurate the procedure.

Wavefronts are groups of waves which travel together through space with their combined surface being the front. In terms of telescopes, when these wavefronts pass through the atmosphere and also through telescope lenses the wavefront surfaces can become slightly misaligned, resulting in a distorted image at the destination. This runs parallel to the problem with human eyes, as when wavefronts pass through a cornea with irregularities, the surface alters and results in a distorted final image.  This is the basic origin of wavefront lasik surgery.

This is where adaptive optics comes in. The technology was designed to compensate for distortion of telescope imagery but has since been adapted by those in the optical sciences in order to provide greater ability to correct minor corneal surface aberrations.  Flat wavefronts are sent into the eye, and reflections from this are monitored closely which enables a map of the eye’s surface to be developed in minute detail. This technological advance has also allowed for human eyes to potentially be corrected beyond their natural state, enhancing vision to “superhuman” levels. This is called 20/10 vision.

Adaptive optics allows far superior LASIK treatments due to the level of detail each individual eye can be mapped to. This allows the programmable laser to provide far superior correction to the cornea. While 20/10 vision is currently unachievable, it is predicted that by 2010 it will be a fully realised feature of LASIK treatments.  Read more about Wavefront LASIK.

This sort of technology was originally used in astronomy to measure imperfections in mirrors and lenses. The system was refined by the 1970s, and has been tested for use in the eyes since the 1990s. The first application of wavefront guided LASIK was approved by the FDA in 2002.

Wavefront mapping is able to measure aberrations around 25 times more accurately than other methods. It works by sending a beam of light through the eye. This light is reflected back and the wavefront machine captures it, noting any distortions which will indicate higher or lower order aberrations.

Common problems such as nearsightedness arise from lower order aberrations, but there are many vision problems as a result of higher order aberrations that traditional treatments cannot correct. Each higher order aberration will be different between individuals, meaning that no two aberrations are exactly the same – like fingerprints. This is why wavefront technology provides more accurate results, producing a 3D diagram of the eye from which the laser reshapes the cornea accurately.

Once the mapping has been completed, computers will convert this data which acts as an instruction for the laser. This laser is what corrects the vision by reshaping the cornea. The best wavefront sensors now are integrated with the surgery systems, which include the VISX CustomVue system, and the LADARWave CustomCornea system. These are what allow each individual vision problems to be measured and treated for the best results possible.

Many people suffer from a variety of refractive errors including near-sightedness and long-sightedness as well as astigmatisms. With the LASIK procedure a laser is used to reshape the cornea of the eye which corrects these refractive errors.

In the LASIK treatment, a thin flap is cut in the surface of the cornea, which is then folded back at which point a programmed laser is used to sculpt the exposed area. This flap re-adheres when allowed to return to its natural state at the end of the operation.

Wavefront-Guided LASIK is a technological advancement which allows for greater individual accuracy in the programmed laser. A special device is used to gain ultra-accurate readings from your eye which in turn allows for improved quality of treatment. This form of treatment is highly recommended for those who have access to it.

Wavefront technology allows for the creation of a detailed map of your eye which allows all the tiny imperfections in the cornea that cause refractive errors to be addressed in minute accuracy. Wavefront provides patients with improved quality of vision compared to previous standard treatments.

Measurements are taken by a sensor which responds to a beam of light that is sent through your eye and focussed on the retina. To ensure great accuracy in taking these readings you are required to rest your chin on a piece of apparatus and fix your vision on a certain point of light.

Wavefront technology not only corrects the refractive errors already mentioned, but also corrects problems which cannot be addressed by the use of glasses or contact lenses. Whilst this is an excellent treatment that can give significantly improved vision, it is not a procedure for all problems. Your ophthalmologist will tell you what is right for you.

Read a step by step guide to wavefront lasik surgery procedure.

During the custom wavefront lasik procedure, the patient will stare at a certain point through which light is sent to the eye. Any distortions in the light being sent back are read by the wavefront sensor. These distortions, which are what cause problems in vision, are known as ‘aberrations’ and this recording is what later allows the physician to treat the exact vision problems in each eye.

After the map of aberrations has been created for the eyes, a small flap must be created either with a laser (IntraLasik) or a small blade (microkeratome) to allow access to the cornea (as in other types of LASIK surgery). This flap is opened and the LASIK reshapes the cornea. The map is used to accurately guide the laser for an individual treatment in each eye. This is what allows wavefront LASIK to attain the best vision results possible. When all of the aberrations have been treated, the flap will be closed and it will heal naturally.

During the treatment the patient is given numbing drops in the eye, as well as a mild sedative to make it as relaxing as possible. After the procedure lubrication is used to protect the eyes, and sight may not improve immediately. You may also be given a plastic eye shield. It is always recommended to ask someone else to drive you home and to go to sleep as soon as possible after the procedure. This will mean your eyes can heal as soon as possible.

Your doctor will be able to explain everything about lasik recovery in depth and any problems with vision that occur after the procedure should be brought to your physician’s attention.

So, who qualifies for wavefront LASIK and who will benefit most from it?

First, there are certain conditions that may only be fixed using this type of laser treatment, for example improvement of vision in low light conditions. Wavefront mapping tests the eye for ‘aberrations’ which are visual errors of which there are standard and higher-order aberrations.

Standard aberrations can be treated with traditional LASIK surgery though high-order aberrations are only possible to be corrected with wavefront technology.

About 15% to 17% of all aberrations are of this higher-order and wavefront surgery will be especially beneficial and recommended to those who have a larger number of higher-order aberrations.

Your doctor will be able to let you know whether your treatment can be done using traditional or wavefront technology, or either.

In most cases you will be able to choose between traditional or wavefront LASIK, and wavefront could prove the better option for many reasons. Although the costs associated with wavefront LASIK are higher than with traditional LASIK, if you qualify what you will be getting is a life-time investment for your eyes.

The wavefront surgery requires much more technology which sometimes results in better outcomes for the patient and better quality of vision.

This is especially in night-time and dim environments, which is one reason why you may opt for wavefront as opposed to traditional LASIK surgery. There is also the greater overall chance of sustaining this improved vision for a longer period of time.

The important thing is to discuss with your doctor what the best option is for you.

Choosing wavefront or custom LASIK over traditional LASIK will not complicate your surgery or make it any more painful, in fact it will be as quick and as pain-free as traditional LASIK: the only difference will be the results in vision and the fact that the laser is guided by completely customized wavefront technology.

Wavefront LASIK is recommended for anyone who qualifies and is interested in benefitting from the highest quality of improved vision.

Nearsighted and farsighted patients will see great improvements soon after surgery, and typically those with astigmatism take the longest to feel the benefits of improved vision. If you experience blurry eyesight after surgery it is important to remember that this will not last and it should be gone permanently in the following months.

After the surgery, in order to allow recovery of the corneal flap that was created during surgery, you will be expected to wear protective goggles for a few nights according to what your surgeon recommends. One of the main discomforts people may feel after LASIK eye surgery is dry eyes so for this reason your surgeon may prescribe you moistening eye drops, sometimes alongside antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops.

There are a number of small risks that can occur when undertaking wavefront LASIK surgery, though most patients can go back to work within a day after the procedure. If you follow this advice and attend regular checkups you should minimize the risk of any complications.

You may feel a mild discomfort after the surgery which is why most surgeons recommend sleeping when you arrive home. Most patients already notice improved vision upon waking. Avoid watching TV, staring at computer screens, or any other activity that puts strain on your eyes (including reading).

It is important to make sure that your eyes remain relaxed in the period immediately following surgery. Take care not to rub your eyes, and it may also be a good idea to wear sunglasses indoors and outdoors. You should also take baths instead of showers during the first 24 hours and make sure that water from the shower does not spray in your face during the first week.

Avoid eye makeup and smoky and dusty environments as well as alcohol consumption for the first few days following surgery.

After surgery you will be required to attend post-operative exams just to ensure that your eyes are healing properly. If any complications do occur your doctor will most likely be able to sort them out quickly and easily. If you do experience any problems it is important to contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Read a step by step guide to wavefront lasik surgery.

Before the surgery you should expect to have a thorough eye exam where all of the measurements and details of your eye will be taken by your eye doctor, including special wavefront analysis providing a completely unique result of measurements for you.

The surgeon will use these measurements to calculate the exact amount of LASIK eye correction that is needed, and the wavefront analysis will serve as a guide for the laser during treatment.

During any LASIK eye surgery, including wavefront, the protective surface of the eye (the cornea) is lifted creating a flap, and the laser will shape the layer underneath this flap. This flap is not removed completely from the eye, rather it is left anchored on one side allowing it to be replaced again at the end of the surgery. There are two methods by which this corneal flap is created, one using a precision surgical instrument and the other using a laser.

Once the flap has been created the surgeon will then use the laser to reshape the cornea underneath the flap in a way that matches the measurements taken in your pre-operative wavefront analysis. The flap will then be gently lowered and replaced and very shortly it will be held in place by the natural forces in the eye. The whole procedure is extremely short, probably around 20 minutes.

One of the most frequent questions asked of any LASIK surgery is ‘will it hurt?’ and the answer is no. The surgeon will give you numbing eye drops so that the local area will not feel any pain. You may feel pressure but this should be only mildly uncomfortable and will last an extremely short time. You will also be given eye drops to combat any symptoms of dry eyes after the wavefront lasik surgery procedure.

It only takes a matter of hours before the surface of the cornea will begin to heal itself to grow over the edge of the flap and seal into position. It is important, however, to make sure that this healing process is not interrupted, so you will be given protective eye goggles to wear immediately following treatment. The healing will be completed within a week or so following treatment.  Read more about lasik recovery.

One thing you should know upfront is that wavefront LASIK, also known as custom lasik, is going to cost more than the traditional surgery. Prices of all types of LASIK vary from provider to provider, depending on a number of factors, but are generally charged at a certain cost per eye.

The price quoted will be for one eye, so you must double this if you intend to get both eyes corrected, even if this is at the same time.

There will be extra charges in place for certain technology, including wavefront. Quoted prices may seem to differ widely with one provider offering $499 and the other $2000. The truth is that, while some companies may legitimately offer a low price, in many cases this offer will not apply to you and your requirements where more extensive correction is needed.

In the case of wavefront LASIK you can expect the increase in cost from traditional LASIK to be around $1000 more. Some surgeons, however, will not increase their cost for using this custom technology and instead will charge a standard fee for all procedures (dependant on your individual needs).

If you are daunted by the costs then you needn’t be as most providers will offer you an easy payment plan to help you pay the cost of your treatment in small amounts each month.

Purchasing laser treatment is an important decision, and hopefully one that will only need to be made once. For this reason spending that little extra to achieve better results is often the best way. Your eye doctor will advise you on whether wavefront LASIK would be a good way to cure your vision problems.

So what will the extra cost of custom wavefront LASIK bring you in terms of results? In most cases there is a highly increased chance of achieving 20/20 vision or better with wavefront LASIK, as well as better quality of sight in low-light conditions.

There is also less risk that your quality of vision will decrease when opting for this type of surgery, so make your choice wisely. It could be well-worth the initial investment for the benefits you will reap from choosing this particular option.  Wavefront Lasik recovery is also something you may want to read more about.

Firstly the statistics state a great case for wavefront surgery: after wavefront LASIK, 90-94% of patients will enjoy 20/20 vision or better as opposed to 80% with traditional LASIK. But why is this the case?

The fact is that in traditional LASIK, measurements are based on general averages are used for reshaping the cornea whereas wavefront mapping consists in hundreds of measurements being taken across the surface of each individual eye.

Wavefront maps the eye by using a device known as an aberrometer to detect the overall refractive error of each eye. Light will be sent into the eye in a specific pattern, and any difference between the light going in and the light measured by the eye is considered an aberration.

These abberations, using wavefront technology, are able to be measured across hundreds of points on the eye enabling a completely individualised map of the eye’s surface to be created in each case.

The main difference between traditional LASIK and wavefront LASIK is the fact that these highly detailed and individualised mappings of the eye are what is used to guide the laser during reshaping of the cornea in surgery. Traditional LASIK offers no such accurate guide, which is why results are vastly improved when using wavefront LASIK surgery.

There are other benefits too, such as the fact that not only does wavefront improve how much you can see but it improves the quality of your vision. For example wavefront will be of huge benefit to those who may have poor night-time vision, recognising each point in the eye when there are abberations.

Unlike traditional LASIK surgery, wavefront accounts for how much as well as how well you can see by recognizing all types of aberration on the surface of the eye.

When you choose wavefront LASIK over traditional LASIK there is a greater chance that you will retain your corrected vision and reduced chance of night vision disturbances and glare. It can also treat those who have previously had the traditional surgery and have lost their best corrected vision.

Please ask your eye doctor whether wavefront LASIK could be the best treatment for you.  Read about Los Angeles Lasik.