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LASIK Up-to-date Newsletter
Wavefront controlled LASIK
Since the introduction of the aberrometer approximately 3 years ago,
the media often reported in detail about the “tailored”
LASIK. But is this procedure really that superior to the standard-LASIK?
What advantages or disadvantages are there?
The aberrometer, which is based on Waveform analysis, sends a laser
beam through the eye to the retina. The light is reflected through the
glass body, the lens, the pupil, and the cornea. A sensor now measures
the irregularities of the reflecting light (Wavefront) at over 50 different
points, and produces a precise, three-dimensional map of the visual
system eye, including all irregularities and/or aberrations. Supported
by this examination, severe aberrations can be detected, which can cause
halos, glare, or distorted vision.
The resulting data is added to a mathematical formula, that is being
used by the surgeon to program the laser. Therefore it is theoretically
possible to take into consideration the refractive power of the eye
with varied tissue ablation at different cornea locations.
As a result, Wavefront controlled LASIK can, under certain conditions,
improve the optical quality in eyes with aberrations of severe magnitude
or irregular astigmatisms. On the other hand, Waveform controlled LASIK
has no advantage in eyes without irregularities or aberrations.
The main advantage of Waveform controlled LASIK however, is maintaining
or improving night vision after refractive surgery. Whether Waveform
LASIK is advantageous to you, can only be determined with an extensive
preliminary examination.
The stringent American FDA authority (Food and Drug Administration)
has so far released three LASIK systems with Wavefront analysis: LADARWave
Customized Ablation System by Alcon, the VISX Custom Vue System, and
Zyoptix System by Bausch & Lomb. The latter is being used in FreeVision
Laser Eye clinics.
Wavefront technology is also used in developing contact lenses and
intra-ocular artificial lenses, as well as in diagnosing retinal diseases.
Source:
Press report by American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
October 3, 2003: Wavefront LASIK Advances Refractive Surgery
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