LASIK, or Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, is a process by which the substantia propria layer of the cornea of the eyes is modified in order to correct problems in refraction. This is done by using an excimer (excited dimer) laser to “dissolve” corneal strata and eradicate unwanted tissues. The family of LASIK technology has expanded over a short period of time. Now, we have variations such as E-LASIK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) and Epi-LASIK. But there is another laser-guided method which many experts say a very efficient surgical procedure that has defeated the standards of ordinary LASIK. Let us look into how Wavefront LASIK works, and why it has its edge over its predecessors.

Let us begin by defining what the term actually means. Wavefront is the specific point or surface in space where points in an electromagnetic wave having the same orientation or stage are oriented. This is used to describe the characteristic of the spatial oscillation (or vibration) of electromagnetic waves of such high frequency like x-rays and gamma rays. This principle of physics is not something new. For years, it has been utilized by astronomers in order to configure the focusing capacity of their space telescopes. Wavefront in this case helps take out the distortions created by the atmosphere of the Earth.

Now, how does this electromagnetic wave principle apply to LASIK technology? As mentioned earlier, LASIK uses an excimer laser to modify the properties of the stromal layer of the cornea. Wavefront is used by this excimer laser to alter the shape of the layer and remove tissues. Wavefront, in this respect, contributes to the accuracy of determining specific actions of the laser which does the main job.

Keratomileusis addresses many aberrations; however, it is Wavefront LASIK which can specifically cure higher and lower order defects. Higher order aberrations or HOAs are more complicated visual defects which are caused by a locus of light that is being absorbed by an eye having refractive complications. These include trefoil and spherical aberration. Lower order aberrations or LOAs on the other hand are much simpler cases like myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. Majority of visual acuity problems are LOAs.

How Wavefront-guided custom LASIK can actually cure these cases is quite interesting. With this custom procedure, it uses 3-dimensional measurements of the manner which the eye refracts the light in order to guide the excimer laser in doing its job. It is very important to know how the human eye processes images, and because of the 3-dimensional mapping used by this custom LASIK, precision is at its peak.

One very unique benefit of wavefront-guided procedure is that it does not only focus on the quantitative aspect of human vision (which is visual acuity). Wavefront technology also focuses on the qualitative aspect, which refers to contrast sensitivity. It cuts the risk of developing post-operative complications of regular LASIK such as night blindness, glares, halos and starbursts.

In short, Wavefront LASIK has its edge over the regular LASIK and also photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in terms of its scope – it addresses not only the refraction-related problems of the eye but also what regular LASIK might leave as side effects. This is the reason why many ophthalmic surgeons prefer this method – it’s just like hitting two birds in one shot. Now we know how Wavefront makes it superb!