Custom Wavefront LASIK in Cranberry Township and Pittsburgh
In recent years, advances in LASIK technology have continually expanded the capabilities of laser vision correction, providing surgeons with the tools necessary to address a greater number of vision problems than ever before. Using one of the most sophisticated laser systems currently on the market, our refractive surgeon performs custom wavefront LASIK surgery at our Cranberry Township facility near Pittsburgh to improve vision clarity. Custom wavefront LASIK builds upon traditional LASIK technology for treatment that is more personalized to each patient's vision needs, providing for the best possible correction in most cases.
LASIK Surgery: An Overview
LASIK surgery is performed to reduce or eliminate an individual's dependence on corrective lenses. By correcting imperfections in the shape of the cornea, LASIK surgeons are able to improve its focusing power, thereby enabling light to bend or refract more accurately on the retina, where the visual image is formed.
During the procedure, the LASIK surgeon uses a precision instrument called a microkeratome to create a corneal flap on the outer portion of the eye. This flap is carefully folded back to reveal the corneal tissue beneath. The surgeon then uses the excimer (non-thermal) laser to reshape the cornea. This is accomplished by vaporizing extremely small amounts of corneal tissue to correct the eye's refractive error. In essence, the process effectively imprints the patient's corrective lens prescription onto the cornea.
After the corneal tissue has been properly reshaped, the flap is replaced. The eye then heals without the need for stitches.
Custom Wavefront LASIK
Custom wavefront LASIK performed at our Cranberry Township practice near Pittsburgh achieves even more precise vision correction. As in traditional LASIK, the refractive surgeon begins by creating the corneal flap to expose the corneal tissue. He then uses the laser to remove, or ablate, excess tissue, effectively imprinting the patient's prescription onto the eye.
What makes Custom LASIK™ unique is the wavefront technology that makes it possible for surgeons to produce a detailed refractive map of the eye. Wavefront technology accurately reveals the slightest imperfections in the shape of the cornea that can ultimately affect a patient's vision. The details of this map are then converted into precise computerized instructions that guide the excimer laser during ablation.
Benefits of Custom Wavefront LASIK
Custom wavefront LASIK allows surgeons to address a greater number of refractive errors for more successful vision correction. In mapping the complete optical features of the eye, wavefront technology makes it possible for refractive surgeons to customize treatment to each patient's unique vision needs.
Because custom wavefront LASIK is able to address a wide range of refractive errors, it often improves not only how much, but also how well, a patient is able to see. The "how much" has to do with visual acuity, as measured by the standard 20/20 eye chart. The "how well" concerns the quality of the image in the visual field in terms of contrast sensitivity and the appearance of fine detail. In short, custom wavefront LASIK offers a greater chance of:
- Attaining 20/20 vision or better
- Retaining best-corrected vision
- Retaining improved vision quality and contrast sensitivity
- Reducing the occurrence of glare and night-vision difficulties
Refractive Error
Both traditional and custom wavefront LASIK alter the shape of the cornea to correct vision. As it passes through the cornea, light is bent or refracted and focused on the retina, where an image is produced. Refractive errors such as imperfections on the surface of the cornea can cause light to focus at a point before or beyond the retina or result in the creation of two separate focal points. These issues can produce a range of vision problems, from images that appear blurred or distorted to persistent glare, halos, and starburst patterns.
Lower-order Aberrations
Lower-order aberrations include nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism, and often occur as a result of an irregularly shaped eye.
- Nearsightedness – Occurs when the eye is abnormally long, causing light passing through the cornea to focus before reaching the retina. This produces blurred distance vision.
- Farsightedness – Occurs when the eye is abnormally short. Light focuses on a point behind the retina, producing blurred near vision.
- Astigmatism – Occurs when the cornea is asymmetrical (e.g., shaped like an egg or football). Light passing through the cornea is focused at two points on the retina, producing blurred near and distance vision.
Traditional LASIK is effective in correcting lower-order aberrations, reducing and even eliminating patients' dependence on glasses and contact lenses.
Higher-order Aberrations
Custom wavefront LASIK at our Cranberry Township practice is used to address the higher-order aberrations that traditional LASIK surgery is unable to resolve.
Higher-order aberrations are image distortions produced by optical imperfections that are not measured with traditional refractions. These imperfections generally result from an irregular curvature of the cornea or lens, corneal scarring (e.g., from surgery), disease, or trauma. The clouding of the eye's lens produced by cataracts and the reduction of tear film caused by dry eye can also contribute to higher-order aberrations.
Types of Distortions Produced by Higher-order Aberrations
Higher-order aberrations can cause such vision problems as:
- Impaired night-vision
- Halos
- Glare
- Blurring
- Double vision (diplopia)
- Starburst patterns
Ideal Custom LASIK™ Candidates
Individuals considering custom wavefront LASIK should recognize that, like all surgery, LASIK does involve some risks. Also, candidates must understand that there is no guarantee that custom wavefront LASIK will eliminate the need for corrective lenses.
Good candidates for surgery are typically in good health and:
- Are at least 18 years of age
- Have had stable vision for at least one year
- Have had no eye infections or eye injuries within the past year
- Have no corneal scarring
- Have appropriate corneal thickness and pupil size
Women who are pregnant, nursing, or anticipate being pregnant in the near future should delay their Custom LASIK™ procedure, as hormonal changes can affect visual acuity.
Contact Us to Learn More about Custom Wavefront LASIK
We are happy to discuss all aspects of the custom wavefront LASIK procedure performed at our Cranberry Township facility near Pittsburgh. Contact InSight LASIK with any questions you have or to schedule a Custom LASIK™ evaluation. Before you do, take a look at what our patients have to say about LASIK eye surgery at our practice.
To learn more about custom wavefront LASIK, contact InSightSM LASIK & Refractive Group in Cranberry Township near Pittsburgh.
InSightSM LASIK & Refractive Group
105 Brandt Dr.
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
T: 724-772-9600
F: 724-772-5468