Laser refractive surgery has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past decade. This popular procedure is done as a corrective measure for those suffering from nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Millions of these procedures have been performed throughout the country with an overwhelming rate of satisfaction.
The most exciting news in laser vision correction in the past five years has occurred with the Food and Drug Administration's approval of VISX's Custom Vue TM wavefront-guided treatment for patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism.
A sophisticated piece of diagnostic equipment called the WaveScan identifies and measures imperfections in an individual's eye 25 times more precisely than previous methods. WaveScan permits LASIK surgeons to analyze a person's entire visual system, not just the shape of the cornea.
With the FDA's approval, this WaveScan data - which is contained in a report called the WavePrint -- can now be transferred to the VISX Star S4 laser for custom wavefront - guided LASIK to provide a new level of accuracy and precision. Studies show the possibility will now exist for individuals to see better than 20/20 after LASIK surgery.
FDA clinical study data presented at the 2003 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ACRS), revealed that one year following wavefront LASIK, 94% of the study participants could see 20/20 or better and 74% could see 20/16 or better. Additionally, four times as many participants were very satisfied with their night vision compared to their night vision with glasses or contacts. In the past, 20/20 was considered the benchmark of good vision.
Before wavefront-guided, LASIK surgeons relied on "sphere" and "cylinder" to describe vision correction issues affecting focus and astigmatism. These lower order aberrations will still be measured by the WaveScan diagnostic device. These measurements of sphere and cylinder are similar to measurements made during a conventional eye exam, called a manifest refraction, but are more precise.
Lower order aberrations are still the greatest contributors to refractive errors of how light passes through the cornea (Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism are refractive errors). Also, lower order aberrations are generally more significant in their impact on your vision than higher order aberrations.
Technically, no two individual's eyes are exactly alike. However, using phoropter measurements, thousands of individuals can have the same prescription. The WaveScan's "fingerprint" of the eye is unique to the individual. Therefore, wavefront-guided LASIK will be designed specifically for each patient's eyes.
If you wish to be free from glasses or contacts, or just want to greatly improve your vision, corrective laser eye surgery could be the solution. There are many different types of laser surgeries offered today. Consult with Dr. Chesen on which option is best for you.
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