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CustomLASIK |
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CustomLASIK, the next generation in laser vision correction, has recently gained FDA approval. CustomLASIK technology allows us to map the individual topographies of our patients' eyes. The experts believe this can provide superior vision quality, as compared with other methods of laser vision correction.
Wavefront technology is used to measure the way light travels through one's eye, and then compares that to the measurements for an eye with perfect vision. A precise, three-dimensional map of the eyes is then created. The laser vision correction surgeon then refers to this map to customize your treatment.
CustomLASIK Candidates
Certain types of visual imperfections, categorized as higher and lower-order aberrations, can distort one's vision. CustomLASIK can treat aberrations of the higher-order variety, such as glare and poor night vision. In the past, these visual imperfections could not be sufficiently prevented or corrected by contacts, glasses, or conventional laser vision correction techniques.
This advanced laser vision correction technology now offers:
- Vision correction for nearsightedness AND farsightedness! For more information, click here.
- 25 times greater precision than standard methods of measurement
- Customized treatment based on a wavefront map
- Unprecedented vision quality, including better night vision
- The greatest chance for achieving the best results
Frequently Asked Questions about CustomLASIK
- What is CustomLASIK (individualized laser vision) correction?
CustomLASIK individualized laser vision correction is WaveScan®-driven, which enables Dr. Schanzlin to measure and correct unique imperfections in each individual’s vision. This technology is used during the second step of LASIK when the eye is being reshaped by the laser.
- Who is a candidate for the CustomLASIK procedure?
Anyone who wears glasses or contacts to correct nearsightedness and/or astigmatism may benefit from CustomLASIK. Individuals should visit Shiley Eye Center for more information and to determine if this is a good option for them.
- What is Personal Best Vision?
Because every individual’s eyes are unique, each individual would benefit from a correction custom-tailored for them. For the first time, CustomLASIK using WaveScan technology can measure and correct the unique characteristics of each individual’s vision, potentially providing them with the best possible vision for their eyes, or their Personal Best Vision.
- What is WaveScan technology?
WaveScan technology was originally developed for use in high-powered telescopes to reduce distortions when viewing distant objects in space. This technology has now been applied to laser vision correction, measuring imperfections in the eye never measured before using standard methods for glasses and contact lenses. WaveScan-based digital technology identifies and measures imperfections in an individual’s eye 25 times more precisely than the standard method. Dr. Schanzlin can use this information to treat individuals with the CustomLASIK procedure.
- Why is WaveScan® technology so important to the CustomLASIK procedure?
Until now, physicians were forced to practice one-size-fits-all vision for the reshaping portion of the procedure. An off-the-shelf lens corrects an individual’s vision fairly well, but it does not correct it precisely because it is not uniquely tailored to that person’s fingerprint of vision. Now, with WaveScan technology, Dr. Schanzlin can custom tailor a correction for the unique characteristics of each individual’s vision.
- Can you briefly explain what a patient will experience during the course of this procedure?
The individual will initially meet with Dr. Schanzlin for an evaluation to determine if he or she is a good candidate for the CustomLASIK procedure. A WaveScan measurement will be taken to map the unique characteristics of his or her vision. The physician will assess several criteria including level of correction and overall eye health. Once it is confirmed that the individual is a good candidate, he or she can be scheduled for CustomLASIK. Dr. Schanzlin and his staff will provide details for the individual on how to prepare for the day of the procedure.
On procedure day, the individual will be seated in a reclined position. Anesthetic drops will be placed in the eyes and a flap will be created in the cornea. The individual’s treatment information is transferred from the WaveScan to the laser in order to drive the CustomLASIK procedure. The actual laser procedure typically takes several seconds. The majority of individuals feel no pain during the procedure.
After CustomLASIK, individuals will notice results immediately, and vision will continue to improve over the next few days. The individual will be scheduled for a follow-up visit the next day, and again several weeks after the initial procedure.
- Is CustomLASIK better than glasses and contacts?
As shown in the FDA clinical study, CustomLASIK can produce better vision than is possible with glasses and contact lenses. Glasses and contacts are limited in their ability to correct unique imperfections in each individual’s vision. In fact, thousands of individuals have the same prescription. With the CustomLASIK procedure, no two prescriptions are identical.
- Will I need glasses or contacts after the CustomLASIK procedure?
Probably not. One year after the clinical study, all participants saw well enough to drive a car without glasses or contacts. Ninety-eight percent had 20/20 vision. However, individual results may vary.
- What were the visual acuity results of the FDA clinical study?
A significant result was that one year after the VISX CustomLASIK procedure:
- 100% of participants could pass a driving test without glasses or contacts
- 98% of participants could see 20/20 or better without glasses or contacts
- 70% of participants could see better than 20/20 without glasses or contacts
- What does better than 20/20 mean?
20/20 is the current standard for excellence in vision. But, with the CustomLASIK procedure, individuals have the potential to see even better than 20/20. In fact, one year after the CustomLASIK procedure more than 70% percent of clinical study participants saw 20/16 or better.
- How could the CustomLASIK procedure affect my night vision?
Because CustomLASIK corrects the unique imperfections in each individual’s vision, it is likely that night vision will be improved. In fact, in the clinical study, four times as many participants were very satisfied with their night vision after the procedure as compared to their night vision before with glasses or contacts.
- Why is WaveScan technology so important to the CustomLASIK procedure?
For the first time, WaveScan technology captures unique imperfections in each individual’s vision that could not have been measured before using standard methods for glasses and contact lenses. This new level of measurement provides 25-times more precision than standard measurements for glasses and contact lenses. Then, WaveScan technology produces a detailed map of the eye – much like a fingerprint, no two are alike. The WaveScan digital information is transferred to the laser, providing a new level of precision and accuracy.
Shiley Eye Center
9415 Campus Point Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093
(858) 534-6290 |