For those considering undergoing Lasik eye surgery a central question is whether to get a conventional Lasik procedure or a Wavefront procedure. While both procedures are deigned to correct aberrations of the eye and improve vision, they work very differently. Traditional Lasik has been in use for nearly 30 years while Wavefront is relatively new, emerging in the last 2 years. This article will help outline the differences between each type of Lasik to help you decide what is right for you.
Basic Differences
The main difference between the two procedures is the technology used. In traditional procedures a small blade called a microkeratome or a doctor-guided laser is used to make a small flap on the cornea and adjust the cornea. Wavefront Lasik uses a guided laser to make a precise three-dimensional map of your eye and pinpoints where the aberrations, allowing patients to receive a customized treatment.
Conventional
A type of refractive surgery to improve vision, conventional Lasik makes use of a small blade and a laser. The blade, known as a microkeratome, is used to make cut thin, circular flap in the cornea that is folded back out of the way. The surgeon then uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. An excimer laser is a precise cool ultraviolet beam that removes very small pieces of the cornea. Patients with myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (abnormal curvature of the cornea) can all find improved vision with Lasik. Patients with myopia will have their corneas flattened some while patients with hyperopia with have their cornea adjusted into a steeper shape. Astigmatism is corrected by smoothing the cornea into a more regular shape.
Many people are comfortable using conventional Lasik because it has been around so long that many tests have been conducted and surgeons have had decades of experience to improve the technique and learn how to avoid mistakes. Most patients achieve 20/20 or 20/40 vision after the procedure and will notice immediate improvement. Some complications to be aware of include night glare and the unlikely event of further touch up surgery.
Wavefront
Wavefront procedures treat the same kinds of eye aberrations as traditional Lasik, but generate and use a 3-D map of the eye to design custom treatments. Wavefront is touted for its accuracy and for is ability to improve not only visual acuity but also contrast sensitivity and fine detail. Low-order aberrations such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism are responsible for affecting visual acuity while high-order aberrations affect contrast and detail. Currently, only wavefront can correct high-order aberrations. Further, Wavefront Lasik presents a lower risk for post-operative complications such as night glare and halos. This technology has a lot to offer but is a newer as less tested technology and is generally more expensive that traditional procedures.
Both techniques are effective at correcting and improving vision, and both have their pros and cons. Talk with your surgeon to help determine the best choice for you.
Photo via Arroz con Nori
