Wavescan Wavefront LASIK Eye Treatment
Wavefront technology has been used for
decades in telescope construction to allow for better
visualization of space. Distortion (aberrations) in optical
systems can lead to blurring of images. To help eliminate these
distortions in astronomy, a deformable mirror has been used to
correct for aberrations to allow for clearer and more precise
images. Wavefront technology in ophthalmology refers to the
ability to fully analyze the “wave” or light rays as they enter
and exit the eye.
In the past,
laser vision correction treatments have been performed using
sphere (myopia or hyperopia) and cylinder (astigmatism)
measurements. Although these “lower order aberrations” (myopia,
hyperopia, and astigmatism) typically represent 90% of all visual
imperfections within the human eye, approximately 10% are “higher
order aberrations” that we can now measure with the VISX WavePrint
aberrometer. Higher order aberrations can have a significant
impact on one’s quality of vision and can be linked to symptoms of
night halo and glare. Higher order aberrations usually cannot be
corrected with glasses, contacts, or conventional LASIK
treatments.
With the
advent of this new technology, we can use VISX WavePrint
measurements to perform more complex laser treatments based on
each person’s individual and unique eye when indicated. The VISX
WavePrint aberrometer is used to measure a person’s unique entire
optical system within the eye and then these measurements are used
to guide the wavefront laser vision correction. The entire process
is not fully automated and the surgeon’s skill, experience,
refraction, and technique are crucial to obtain optimal visual
results. While there is still no guarantee of perfect vision after
wavefront LASIK, recent FDA studies have demonstrated that
patients treated with wavefront laser vision correction have a
better chance of seeing 20/20 compared to conventional laser
vision treatment. There is also a reduced chance of losing
best-corrected vision or having night halo and glare symptoms
after surgery. Although laser vision correction results have been
excellent over the past eight years, it appears wavefront
technology may offer even better visual outcomes.
Not all
patients are candidates for wavefront technology, however, and a
thorough eye exam is critical to determine which patients are
eligible for wavefront treatment. A patient with thin corneas, for
instance, may not be a good candidate for wavefront treatment as
the wavefront treatment typically requires slightly more laser
treatment for each diopter or power treated.
At
I vue Laser vision, we are pleased to offer this technology
to our patients. We believe the VISX Wavescan system to be
superior to other systems available in the market. With VISX we
can perform the treatment through the natural non-dilated pupil to
ensure the most accurate results and thus avoid artifacts and
decentration. We encourage patients to make an appointment for wavescan screening to see if this technology is
appropriate in their particular case.
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