Custom LASIK: Treating Higher and Lower Order Aberrations
Here at Primary Eye Care Associates, we're proud to provide the people of Chicago with advanced custom LASIK surgery, a state-of-the-art way to improve vision without glasses or contacts. Thanks to custom LASIK technology, people are able to achieve better vision results today than LASIK patients just years ago.
The major reason why custom LASIK is so effective is its ability to address lower order and higher order aberrations. Let's go over this matter right now.
Custom LASIK Is a Major Step Forward
All LASIK, even the LASIK of the past, was technically a custom procedure since surgeons tailored the surgery to the needs of the patient. Custom LASIK, however, is a major step forward with laser eye surgery, using advanced digital scanning and mapping technology to ensure the most accurate vision correction possible.
The key difference with custom LASIK is the use of wavefront mapping, which is a true game changer when it comes to your vision.
The Importance of Wavefront Technology
Wavefront digital mapping technology allows LASIK surgeons to take high-detailed and accurate three-dimensional scans of the cornea. The cornea is the clear, frontal part of the eye. Light passes through the corneas to reach the retinas, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eyes.
Problems with corneal contour result in both lower order and higher order aberrations.
About Lower Order Aberrations
Lower order aberrations refer to the common refractive errors that people often face. This includes:
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Farsightedness (hyperopia)
- Astigmatism
Lower order aberrations are the result of rather notable imperfections of the shape of the cornea. These are common vision issues, and ones that can be addressed through the use of corrective lenses or refractive surgery procedures.
About Higher Order Aberrations
Higher order aberrations refer to finer imperfections of the corneal shape and contour, resulting in vision problems that are more difficult to treat than lower order aberrations. Some examples of higher order aberrations include:
- Contrast sensitivity issues
- Poor night vision
- Glare
- Halos
- Starbursts
Why Custom LASIK Is Better Than Traditional LASIK
Custom LASIK is able to address both lower order aberrations and higher order aberrations, allowing patients to achieve exceptional vision quality. Because traditional LASIK did not use wavefront mapping, it could generally only be used to address lower order aberrations. Thanks to wavefront technology, LASIK surgeons can identify minute imperfections in the cornea as well as larger contour issues. The three-dimensional digital map is fed into a computer that guides the LASIK laser during surgery, which means highly accurate results and great vision quality with an emphasis on safety and limited possibility of complications.
Is Custom LASIK Right for Me?
Most people are good candidates for custom LASIK as long as they are over 18 years old, not pregnant or nursing, have healthy corneas of normal thickness, and have head a stable glasses or contacts prescription for at least a year.
To find out if custom LASIK is just what you need, it's important that you visit our practice for a consultation. We'll be able to answer all questions you may have and help you see clearly without glasses or contacts.
Contact Primary Eye Care Associates
To learn more about custom LASIK and how it can help you see clearly without the need for corrective lenses, be sure to contact our team of vision correction specialists today. The team at Primary Eye Care Associates looks forward to helping you see clearly.