Traditional LASIK vs. Custom LASIK: What Is the Difference?
The team at Deen-Gross Eye Centers has helped countless patients in and around the Merrillville area achieve excellent vision. Many times this involved LASIK surgery, a popular and effective laser vision correction procedure.
Today, many laser eye surgeons offer custom LASIK rather than traditional LASIK surgery. Let's compare custom LASIK to traditional LASIK to you understand the difference and why custom LASIK is more ideal.
About Traditional LASIK Surgery
Traditional LASIK surgery is a refractive procedure that is used to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The procedure involves the use of a laser to alter the shape of the cornea. Doing this improves the path off light through the eyes so it focuses properly on the retina. The retina the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eyes, which is essential for proper vision.
The Effectiveness of Traditional LASIK Surgery
Traditional LASIK surgery was a great treatment option for refractive errors. By undergoing LASIK, countless patients were able to see clearly without the need for corrective lenses, such as glasses or contacts. Many patients were able to achieve 20/40 vision or better, with few lasting side effects and far greater vision quality.
Yet traditional LASIK was a technique of the past. Laser eye surgery has since evolved.
How Custom LASIK Surgery Is Different
Custom LASIK surgery is a procedure that involves the use of digital mapping technology, which was not used previously in LASIK. This digital mapping technology allows for a highly accurate scan of the cornea surface, allow LASIK surgeons to identify minor imperfections in the contour of the cornea that are difficult to detect.
This use of digital mapping technology means an improved ability to enhance vision and improve overall sight quality.
Treating Higher Order and Lower Order Aberrations
Thanks to the digital mapping technology of custom LASIK, laser eye surgeons are now able to treat both lower order aberrations and higher order aberrations. Traditional LASIK was only able to address lower order aberrations with consistent reliability.
Lower order aberrations are refractive errors (i.e., myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism).
Higher order aberrations are minute imperfections in the corneal surface that result in vision issued such as contract sensitivity problems, night vision issues, and so forth.
The Safety of Custom LASIK Surgery
In addition to the added safety and effectiveness of custom LASIK surgery, custom LASIK is also far safer than traditional LASIK. The laser in custom LASIK is computer-guided based on the digital map and scan. This reduces the possibility of human error and leads to a far more efficient surgery.
Custom LASIK Surgery Means Better Results Than Traditional LASIK
In all, custom LASIK surgery is superior to traditional LASIK, and the results means far greater vision without the need for glasses or contacts. As eye care technology continues to improve, we expect custom vision correction results only to get better.
Is custom LASIK surgery right for me?
To find out if custom LASIK is a good option for you or your needs, it's important that you meet with our team for a consultation. We can go over your candidacy and suggest alternatives should LASIK not be a viable option for you or your needs.
Learn More About Custom LASIK Surgery
For more information about LASIK and how it can help enhance your vision, be sure to
contact our advanced laser vision correction and eye care center today. The eye care experts at Deen-Gross Eye Centers look forward to your visit and helping you make the best choices about your vision.
