WAVEFRONT LASIK

At the Eye Center of Texas, we are proud to use Wavefront Lasik Technology.  It is the latest, most accurate pre-surgery diagnostic technology available.  It is a crucial first step in successful laser vision correction.  Click here to learn more about all the steps of LASIK Eye Surgery.

What is Wavefront Lasik Technology?
Old Science, New Application

Interestingly, the technology behind Wavefront Lasik has been around a long time.  It has been used by astronomers to adjust the optics of their telescopes.  Only recently has this technology been applied to the eyes.  In a Wavefront Lasik procedure, the wavefront data that was gathered in the patient evaluation process is used to guide the laser during surgery.

To better understand what Wavefront LASIK is all about, it is helpful to understand a little bit about how your eye works.  A perfect cornea allows light entering the eye to be focused evenly through the pupil and then fine-tuned by the eye's natural lens so that light rays fall precisely onto the retina.

Small imperfections in the eye cause some light to travel through the eye at different angles.  It is these imperfections that can cause the light to strike the retina in different places.  Wavefront refers to a way of measuring light as it passes through the cornea, falls on the retina, and then is reflected back through the cornea.  In the evaluation phase of a Wavefront Lasik procedure, this wavefront process creates a very detailed topographical map of the patient’s eye.  This map shows aberrations (those small imperfections), and is so detailed that it could be called a “fingerprint of your eye” because it is unique to that eye.

The aberrations found during Wavefront Lasik fall into two categories:  lower order aberrations (those causing nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism) and higher order aberrations (those causing halos, night glare, starbursts, or other visual disturbances). The goal of Wavefront Lasik surgery, then, is to correct the lower order aberrations and perhaps reduce, but certainly not worsen the higher order aberrations.

What Happens During the Wavefront Lasik Measurement?

Visix Wavescan Aberrometer
In a Wavefront Lasik evaluation, your surgeon will map both of your eyes using a wavefront scanner, called an analyzer or aberrometer. This device produces the very precise, detailed map of light rays as they travel through your eye, highlighting imperfections in your vision.

Your part is easy and painless!  You will place your chin in the chin rest of the aberrometer, and you will be asked to stare past what is called a target light.  You should relax your eye’s focus as much as possible.  Your Wavefront LASIKk evaluation is underway!

The device sends a beam of light through your eye and focused on the retina.  As the wave of light rays are reflected back from the retina through the eye's vitreous, lens, pupil and cornea, a sensor will measure the irregularities in the wavefront pattern of light as it emerges.  The wavefront computer then can create an accurate, 3-D map of your eye’s visual system.  This is the map that will guide the laser during your Wavefront LASIK procedure.  The whole process only takes a few moments. A wavefront map of an eye with no visual errors appears to have a flat surface because all of the light rays travel evenly through the eye while a wavefront map of an eye with imperfections appears curved or distorted.  INSERT PICTURE OF EXAMPLE WAVEFRONT MAP.

This is the diagnostic part of Wavefront Lasik.  Click here to read more about using the data in LASIK eye surgery.

Why Do We Use Wavefront Lasik Technology?
Diagnostically

Wavefront Lasik technology as a diagnostic device is unsurpassed. This technology can diagnose and measure aberrations that no other system can even see.  Knowing the “landscape” of your eye to that minute detail will greatly help your eye doctor determine the best course of vision correction specifically for you.  It is important to understand that without a wavefront diagnosis, it is impossible for a doctor to accurately determine if wavefront-guided surgery is necessary for a good outcome.

During Lasik Eye Surgery

If you are a candidate for laser eye surgery, the Wavefront Lasik diagnostic data produced by the aberrometer is used by the computer controlling the laser during your surgery.   The data is converted into a set of instructions that tell the laser where and for how long to operate on your cornea to correct your specific vision error.  Although other systems are touted as “custom” Lasik, Wavefront Lasik truly results in a precise surgical procedure designed just for your eyes.

To learn more about IntraLase, a sophisticated laser involved in the first step of the Lasik eye surgery procedure, click IntraLase.

If Wavefront Lasik is not for you, there are other surgical options.  Click here to find out more about Visian Implantable Contact Lens or PRK.  Give us a call to set up your free consultation.  We’ll help you determine the option that is just right for you.