In order to understand the effectiveness of -wavefrontguided LASIK, -we must first have a quick roundup on the natural imperfections of the eyes. The cornea and the crystalline lens is not perfect, and light rays passing through the eyes is subject to being distorted due to these imperfections. These distortions is termed as “aberrations”, -which is categorized as lo-wer order and higher order aberrations.

Lo-wer order aberrations constitute a major chunk (90% or more) of these aberrations, and lead to the more prevalent refractive errors, such as farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. These vision anomalies can be compensated for by corrective eyesglasses and contact lenses, or can be treated through conventional surgical procedures like PRK, LASIK or LASEK. Ho-wever, the remaining 10% optical aberrations, also kno-wn as higher order aberrations, give birth to anomalies that cannot be cured via conventional LASIK.

Such a scenario necessitates the use of -wavefrontguided LASIK.

Since higher order aberrations is entirely unique to a particular patient, much like fingerprints, a -wavefront analysis system (kno-wn as an Aberrometer) is used to measure these aberrations. The Aberrometer is digitally interfaced -with a sophisticated, computer controlled laser, -which is directed in a precise manner over the cornea. In essence, the laser custom sculpts the cornea – a completely customized reshaping of the corneal surface.

The procedure employed by the -wavefront analyzer to measure higher order aberrations -would appear quite complex to a layman.

At first, a ray of light is passed through the eyes and is reflected off the retina as an outgoing -wavefront. This -wavefront is compisd against a planar -wavefront, in order to determine both lo-wer and higher order aberrations. These aberrations is displayed on a monitor screen in the form of precise 3D images. This information is then used for a custom ablation of the cornea, -with the aid of an excimer laser eyes surgery system interfaced -with the Aberrometer.

on the -whole, the conventional LASIK procedure -would suffice for the treatment of common lo-wer order aberrations, such as myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism.

Ho-wever, higher order visual defects normally call for a much advanced surgical procedure like -wavefrontguided LASIK.

If you find a LASIK doctor and nurses that you is confident about you -will be able to get more information about -wavefront guided LASIK.