Posts Tagged ‘LASIK Risks’

The New Wavefront LASIK Eye Surgery

Monday, June 30th, 2008

LASIK eye surgery has really taken the country by storm over the last several years. It provides freedoms that we never dreamt possible. For those who have been a slave to eyeglasses for the majority of their life, LASIK eye surgery is a godsend. Laser eye surgery, or refractive eye surgery is simply the procedure done on your eyes with a laser to correct your vision. LASIK eye surgery provides permanent correction, and thus eliminating the need to wear glasses. Over recent years, new methods in the LASIK eye surgery arena continue to advance.

The hot new wavefront LASIK procedure has garnered popularity after its U.S. approval in 2002. So, how does wavefront LASIK eye surgery compare to traditional LASIK methods? First let’s go over the basics. Both wavefront LASIK and conventional LASIK surgery are very similar. They utilize lasers, which cut the initial tissue, and then change the corneal shape by removing small areas that may be distorting vision. Where wavefront LASIK differs is that it precisely measures the entire eye, and thus provides a very accurate three-dimensional map of the eye. This is very advantageous when it comes to the actual procedure.

Wavefront LASIK not only offers better results, but also does so with more applications. Traditional LASIK eye surgery is great for lower order aberrations, such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness. Now, higher order aberrations, which cannot be corrected by glasses or contact lenses can’t be corrected with conventional LASIK eye surgery. With wavefront LASIK technology, and its superior measuring ability these issues can be corrected. Some of these corrections can include difficulty with night vision, light halos, and starbursts.

It has been stated that wavefront LASIK procedures are more successful than traditional methods, due to the advance notice procedure. The percentages show this. But, with any new technology there are inherent costs, and wavefront LASIK eye surgery is no exception. The costs are monetary, naturally. You can expect to pay upwards of 50% more than traditional methods, when utilizing this news wavefront LASIK technology.

Wavefront LASIK eye surgery may or may not be the right choice for you. Traditional LASIK surgery done with a qualified LASIK ophthalmologist can come with very few LASIK risks. A Wavefront LASIK procedure might be required if your eyes require it i.e. higher order aberrations. It’s best to sit down with your LASIK doctor and determine what’s best for you. A reputable LASIK surgeon will guide you in the correct direction, covering LASIK risks, so go with quality over price.