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Custom or Conventional LASIK Surgery?

WHICH IS BETTER CUSTOM OR CONVENTIONAL LASIK SURGERY

What is Custom LASIK
Now that LASIK surgery has become more affordable, and given the positive results typically attained, the procedure has become the most popular type of refractive eye surgery available. In the past decade, custom LASIK surgery, which is based on better and more complete measurements of the eye, has been developed.

LASIK Eye Surgery

LASIK procedures are used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.  During surgery, a small corneal flap is created, after which a laser is used to reshape the eye until it has the ideal contour to produce the clearest images possible.The flap is then returned to its original position, where it seals without stitches.

What to Expect Before, During and After Surgery

Before surgery:

  • A complete eye exam and medical history will be conducted to determine if you are a good candidate for custom LASIK surgery.
  • Patients must refrain from wearing contact lenses for a specified time period.
  • The provider and patient will discuss what to expect, the risks and benefits, and the patient’s responsibilities for after-care.

During surgery:

  • Numbing drops will be placed in the patient’s eye to prevent pain during the procedure.
  • Vision may alter slightly during the procedure.
  • After replacement of the corneal flap, the eye will be shielded to protect it until the flap has healed.

After Surgery:

  • Patients can expect some discomfort, though they should not experience any pain.
  • Restored vision will occur within a day for most patients.

Custom LASIK Surgery

Custom LASIK surgery has been available for around ten years. Since then, the number of ophthalmologists trained to perform the procedure has grown substantially.

Custom LASIK surgery involves a three-dimensional system which examines light reflected from the back of the eye to determine the location of any distortions. These measurements detect the specific topography of each individual eye and help doctors to guide the laser to create a smoother eye surface.

Reported Outcomes of Custom LASIK Surgery

Although it is still too early to determine the long-term outcomes of custom LASIK surgery, according to a 2004 report from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, traditional LASIK is good for vision correction, while custom LASIK provides sharper, better quality vision.

Studies have also indicated decreased reports of halos and glare following custom LASIK surgery when compared with traditional LASIK.  One of the most supported findings regarding benefits of custom LASIK over traditional LASIK is a noticeable improvement in night vision.

That said, one of the best indicators of successful outcomes is patient reporting.  Reports have demonstrated that patients who underwent custom LASIK surgery were significantly more satisfied with the outcome than were those who had conventional LASIK, though both groups were pleased with the obtained results.

Deciding on Custom LASIK Surgery

Patients considering custom LASIK must first be examined to see whether they are suitable candidates for the procedure. Factors considered include thickness of the cornea and the presence (and diopter range) of hyperopia, myopia, or astigmatism.

Custom or Conventional LASIK?

Most patients who have had custom LASIK surgery agree that it has provided them with many benefits that they would not have not obtained through conventional LASIK surgery.

Patients should consult their ophthalmologist to determine whether custom or conventional LASIK surgery would be their best option.

To determine whether custom or conventional LASIK surgery is the best option for you, please contact us for a no-obligation exam and consultation. We’ll conduct a thorough and complete examination of your eyes to determine whether you are a good candidate for surgery.