Everything You Should Know About Custom Wavefront Lasik

LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, is a laser vision correction procedure that targets cornea in order to correct common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Often referred to as CustomVue LASIK or custom wavefront LASIK, this is one of the most frequently performed types of refractive surgery thanks to its great results as well as minimal downtime.

What Is Custom LASIK?

Custom wavefront LASIK, commonly called just wavefront LASIK or custom LASIK, utilizes the advanced wavefront technology to assess the individual and unique characteristics of the patient’s eyes. In that respect, LASIK wavefront is a more personalized procedure compared to conventional LASIK vision correction surgery; hence the name “custom”.

Essentially, CustomVue LASIK doesn’t only rely on eyeglasses prescriptions; many people can share the same prescription yet the unique characteristics of their eyes can make a considerable difference in the clarity of their vision. This is why custom LASIK relies on more detailed information about one’s eyes in order to program the excimer laser more accurately and thus allow for the most ideal eye reshaping procedure.

What Makes CustomVue LASIK More Superior?

As mentioned, the wavefront technology used for the CustomVue LASIK makes this particular procedure more detailed and effective for the individual needs of the patient.

CustomVue LASIK Is More Precise

If you wear glasses, you’re familiar with the procedure of getting your eyeglasses prescription. The doctor typically shifts between different lenses and ask about the vision clarity with each lens. In the end, you often have to choose between two lenses. However, sometimes it’s challenging to determine which lens suits you better. In order to determine the ideal prescription for you, your doctor has to change between 0.25 diopter (D), which is the smallest measurement unit for glasses. This is why your prescription will always say something like -2.25 D or -2.5 D, but you’ll never see a number like -2.3 D or -2.4 D.

The wavefront technology of CustomVue LASIK allows the measurements in even smaller units, which is 0.01 D. That way, the computer can automatically calculate the ideal prescription for you, down to the smallest unit, making it perfectly tailored to your eyes. The difference in numbers is clear – CustomVue LASIK measures the vision 25 times more precisely than the regular lens units.

CustomVue LASIK Is More Specific

Essentially, determining eyeglasses prescription during the exam assesses the eye’s ability to focus light as a whole. Therefore, just one lens is used to correct the vision of the entire eye.

On the other hand, custom wavefront LASIK gathers information about the eye’s ability to focus light from hundreds of reference points on the eye. Thanks to that practice, it’s possible to create a rather detailed map of the refractive error. It’s this map that’s then used to program the excimer laser for a more specific and personalized vision correction.

Different Types of Custom LASIK

We can differentiate three basic types of custom LASIK procedure:

Wavefront-guided LASIK

Wavefront-generated measurements are used to determine exactly the way light travels through the patient’s eyes and falls on the retina. This procedure can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism as well as reduce irregular higher-order aberrations to further improve the clarity of vision post major refractive corrections.

Wavefront-optimized LASIK

This particular wavefront-generated procedure focuses on the eye’s front surface curvature, which then allows for the preservation of the cornea’s natural aspheric shape. This minimizes the risk of spherical aberration.

Topography-guided LASIK

This procedure evaluates the surface of the eye to determine refractive errors together with other vision problems caused by corneal irregularities. This is not a wavefront-generated procedure per se, but it still offers a more detailed and personalized correction compared to conventional LASIK.

The CustomVue LASIK Procedure

The entire LASIK procedure typically takes between 10 and 15 minutes for both eyes. Once completed, the patients can usually leave after about an hour. Before they start the procedure, the surgeon numbs the eye with anesthetic drops. Then they use the CustomVue system for guidance during the procedure. In most cases, patients don’t feel any discomfort during the procedure.

After a CustomVue LASIK Procedure

Once they’re free to leave after having the LASIK correction procedure done, patients should head home and get some rest for a couple of hours. Some discomfort or slight pain might occur during those hours, and taking pain relievers in this case is perfectly fine. Typically, there’s no issue whatsoever when it comes to resuming regular daily activities after just a day or two.

Ideal Candidates for CustomVue LASIK

In order to determine whether a patient is a good candidate for CustomVue LASIK, one must go through a thorough eye examination. What’s more, it’s necessary that patients who want to correct their nearsightedness are at least 18 years old. This is due to the fact that the eyes have to be mature enough for the procedure. There shouldn’t be any infection or eye injury at least a whole year before the procedure.

There are also patients who are simply not eligible for CustomVue LASIK due to their current conditions or health issues. These include patients who are:

• Pregnant or nursing
• Suffering from a degenerative or autoimmune disorder
• Suffering from a condition that affects the healing process

Potential Risks and Complications

Custom wavefront LASIK is known to be rather safe and effective as a vision correction procedure. However, this is a surgery, and as such, it’s impossible to claim that it’s 100% free from complications and risks. In rare cases, some patients could experience certain side effects, such as infections or improper corrections. To avoid this from happening, make sure to choose a renowned and experienced surgeon for the job.

Benefits of Custom LASIK Procedure

As it’s generally considered a low-risk procedure that offers great precision and results, custom wavefront LASIK surgery has become the go-to solution for people who wish to correct their vision. It’s also highly recommended by leading LASIK surgeons and ophthalmic specialists across the globe. This procedure is completely blade-free, which makes it a minimally invasive surgery that offers incredible precision. The laser’s ultraviolet light is programmed to remove a small part of corneal tissue without damaging the surrounding eye. It’s also important to mention the convenience of short downtime and the fact that there’s no need for pupil dilation.

In case you too are interested in achieving clarity of vision without glasses or contacts, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Diamond Vision – Custom Lasik Eye Clinic. We have specialized clinics in New York, New Jersey, Atlanta, and Connecticut. You can count on expert and friendly staff, as well as a proven track record of high-success results, backed up by state-of-the-art technology and equipment. You’re welcome to schedule a free consultation on our Diamond Vision website or over the phone.

If you’re in the NYC area contact our Manhattan Lasik Surgery Center.