Understanding Wavefront LASIK Eye Procedures
LASIK stands for laser assisted in situ keratomileusis. LASIK eye surgeries are considered a type of refractive surgery that improves vision by correcting wide ranges of vision issues such as farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. LASIK procedures offer specially designed laser technologies instead of traditional surgical tools to perform corrective eye surgery.
Wavefront LASIK, also known as customized LASIK, is a type of LASIK technique that uses three-dimensional measurements to determine how the human eye processes images. Lasers guided by a computer measures a person's eye or eyes as they process images, reshaping the cornea. The Wavefront technique is a highly individualized technique that offers clearer vision to those diagnosed with mild to fairly high degrees of hyperopia, myopia and astigmatism.
Benefits Of LASIK Eye Surgery
Wavefront LASIK eye surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes less than 30 minutes to perform. The technical and effective Wavefront LASIK technique is able to repair significant visual impairment. Both the eyes can be done at the same time, although most surgeons will recommend at least a three-day wait period between eyes. The technology helps reduce visual distortion, improve night vision, reduce glare, and improve optical defects common to most individuals experiencing a decrease in vision.
Wavefront LASIK Procedure
The procedure begins with a device that sends rays of light into the eye. The light is reflected off the retina and back to the device, which receives patterns that diagnose and capture a variety of vision aberrations. These vision aberrations or irregularities are displayed on a three-dimensional map whose information is then transferred electronically to a Wavefront guided laser system that has been matched via computer to the eye's position. The surgeon is then able to customize the laser treatment to meet specific visual needs and requirements.
The Wavefront LASIK procedure is performed with a wavefront-responsive laser device. The most common manufacturers and models of such devices include:
- Visx S4 laser
- Custom cornea (utilizes an Alcon LADARVision laser)
- CustomVue (utilizing the Visx S4 laser)
- Zyoptix (utilizing a Bausch and Lomb Technolas 217z laser)
- WaveLight 500 Hz Concerto laser
The procedure is relatively painless, and local anesthetic drops are used with a mild form of sedation. Some patients may feel sensations in the eyes for several days following the procedure, as well as some blurring of vision. However, the minimally invasive Wavefront LASIK eye surgery saves more corneal tissues and replaces the use of scalpels in such a sensitive area of the body, reducing complications that result from more traditional surgical procedures.
How Much Does the Wavefront LASIK procedure Cost?
In the United States, LASIK eye surgery can run anywhere between $500-$1,000 per eye, but may cost up to $7,000. In most cases, vision insurance does not cover the procedure in the United States, although some vision care insurance companies are starting to add it to their policies. Individuals traveling to destinations such as Mexico may obtain the procedure for around $2,000, while travelers venturing to destinations such as India and Singapore may also save thousands on the procedure.
Who Can Perform LASIK Eye Surgery?
An ophthalmologist should be licensed and trained and certified to perform refractive surgeries as well as be well versed and experienced in a variety of LASIK technologies and procedures, including Wavefront. He or she should also be trained to use of laser equipment. Medical licensing in the United States is by local, state, and national medical boards. In foreign countries, ophthalmologists should be licensed, trained and certified by associations or organizations in their country of origin, or have certification from major global associations or organizations. |
