San Jose and Mountain View – Wavefront™ LASIK Technology
At our Mountain View and San Jose area laser eye center, we utilize Wavefront™ diagnostic technology to customize your LASIK procedure and optimize your vision correction results.
- What is Wavefront™ technology?
- What are the advantages of Wavefront™ LASIK?
- What visual results can I expect following Wavefront™ LASIK?
- Are all patients at your laser eye center treated with Wavefront™?
- Who are the best candidates for Wavefront™ correction?
What is Wavefront™ technology?
Available at our San Jose and Mountain View area laser eye center, Wavefront™ technology has been used for decades in telescope construction to allow for better visualization of space. Distortions or aberrations in optical systems can lead to blurring of images. To help eliminate these distortions in astronomy, a deformable mirror has been used to correct aberrations and allow clearer, more precise images. Wavefront™ technology in ophthalmology refers to the ability to fully analyze the "wave" or light rays as they enter and exit the eye.
What are the advantages of Wavefront™ LASIK?
In the past, laser vision correction treatments have been performed using sphere (myopia or hyperopia) and cylinder (astigmatism) measurements. Although these "lower order aberrations" (myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism) typically represent 90 percent of all visual imperfections within the human eye, approximately 10 percent are "higher order aberrations" that we can now measure with the VISX WavePrint™ aberrometer. Higher order aberrations can have a significant impact on one's vision quality and typically cannot be corrected with contact lenses, glasses, or traditional LASIK treatments.
With the advent of Wavefront™ technology, our LASIK eye surgeons can use VISX WavePrint™ measurements to perform more complex custom laser treatments based on each person's eye. The VISX WavePrint™ aberrometer is used to measure a person's unique optical system within the eye. These measurements are used to guide the Wavefront™ laser for vision correction treatment. The procedure is not fully automated, and the surgeon's skill, experience, and technique are crucial to obtain optimal vision results.
What visual results can I expect following Wavefront™ LASIK?
While there is still no guarantee of perfect vision after Wavefront™ LASIK, recent FDA studies have demonstrated that patients treated with Wavefront™ laser vision correction have a better chance of seeing 20/20 compared to conventional laser vision treatment. There is also a reduced chance of losing best-corrected vision or having night halo and glare symptoms after surgery. Although laser vision correction results have been excellent over the past eight years, it appears Wavefront™ technology may offer even better outcomes.
Are all patients at your laser eye center treated with Wavefront™?
Not all patients are candidates for Wavefront™ technology. A thorough eye exam at our San Jose and Mountain View area laser eye center is used to determine who is eligible for Wavefront™ treatment. A patient with thin corneas, for instance, may not be a good candidate for Wavefront™ LASIK, as the Wavefront™ treatment typically requires slightly more laser treatment for each diopter or power treated.
Peninsula Laser Eye Medical Group is pleased to offer Wavefront™ technology to our patients. We believe the VISX WaveScan system to be superior to other systems available on the market. With VISX we can perform the treatment through the natural non-dilated pupil to ensure accurate results. We encourage patients to schedule a complimentary screening at our Mountain View laser eye center to see if Wavefront™ technology is appropriate in their particular case.
Who are the best candidates for Wavefront™ correction?
Patients who are determined to have a high percentage (greater than 20 percent) of higher order aberrations are the best candidates for Wavefront™ LASIK. However, many other factors are important as well. The patient's corneal thickness, prescription, pupil size, and corneal topography are also critical factors that need to be analyzed before settling on Wavefront™ or another laser vision treatment. It is important that each patient receive a detailed, comprehensive evaluation and analysis at our San Jose and Mountain View area center prior to Wavefront™ vision correction.
If you live in the San Jose or Mountain View area and would like more information on Wavefront™ LASIK at our laser eye center, contact Peninsula Laser Eye Medical Group today.
