If you have refractive errors, you may need to undergo LASIK surgery. However, that’s only sometimes the case with vision problems.
Custom LASIK surgery improves vision but may also permanently change your eyes if you do not undergo a comprehensive diagnosis. You need to understand what you want to achieve with the procedure first.
LASIK procedures have undergone massive branding crises over the past few years. Today, most companies use different names for the procedure, although what they do is almost the same.
Custom LASIK is thus a new approach to simple vision correction and which comes with unique advantages over the normal LASIK procedure.
What is Custom LASIK?
Custom LASIK refers to a mode of vision correction in which your optometrist measures every visual characteristic of your eye. The surgeon must ascertain the optical characteristics to customize your treatment and achieve high precision.
Custom LASIK surgery involves using wavefront technology to create a 3D digital map of your cornea. The wavefront map created is unique to you and provides highly detailed information about the affected part of the eye.
The surgeon uses the wavefront analyzer to measure the speed and manner light travels through your eye. The analyzer then creates a three-dimensional image which allows the doctor to provide a fully customized eye treatment.
Therefore, unlike most eye treatments that focus on prescriptions, custom LASIK addresses the unique needs of your eyes.
What is the Difference Between Standard and Custom LASIK?
All LASIK is custom LASIK because the surgeon customizes the surgery procedure for every patient. But, modern custom LASIK is different because it uses digital mapping and scanning technology to achieve greater accuracy.
Standard LASIK is equally a corrective eye surgery for refractive problems such as astigmatism, short-sightedness, and farsightedness. A surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to create a tiny flap in the corneal surface. In contrast, they will use wavefront technology to create a 3D digital map of your cornea during custom LASIK.
Your eye may experience several forms of visual imperfections which affect your vision. These defects, lower and higher-order aberrations, may not count for all the visual imperfections but are the most common.
Standard LASIK can only measure and treat lower aberrations. Custom LASIK reshapes the cornea and provides reasons for the unique abnormalities in your eye.
Is Custom LASIK Safe?
Custom LASIK is the most recent and more advanced laser vision technology. Using the 3-dimensional measurements of the eye to reshape the cornea makes the whole process effective and safe.
So, custom LASIK is more accurate than traditional LASIK and safer because of the use of the surgical laser. The surgical laser provides precise vision correction. The process is fully computerized, meaning there is less chance of human error.
Is Custom LASIK For Me?
There are numerous reasons LASIK may be the answer to your intermittent blurry vision. How great would it be to wake up every morning and see clearly without your glasses? How about a trek in the wilderness without worrying about losing your contacts? Going about your business without wearing your glasses is a major morale booster.
Most people can undergo custom LASIK surgery without any problem. However, some conditions may prevent certain patients from taking up laser surgery. You will need to discuss correction surgery intentions and any other pre-existing condition that may compromise the process with your doctor.
For example, your ophthalmologist will check any specific refractive error, your general eye health, and the thickness of the cornea. And because every patient has unique problems, the doctor will recommend a customized treatment option that suits every individual.
It is difficult to determine whether you are a good candidate for custom LASIK by self-examining. However, if you have the following pre-existing eye diseases, you may not be eligible for custom LASIK surgery. These conditions include:
- Cataracts
- Advanced Glaucoma
- Corneal diseases
- Pregnancy
If you are unsure whether you are fit for the surgery, request a pre-operative LASIK screening. Only a qualified medical professional must do the screening. Alternatively, you can look for these five signs to determine if you’re a good fit for LASIK surgery.
Here Are Five Signs Custom LASIK Is For You
Depending on certain factors, you may or may not qualify for LASIK surgery. For most people, the following signs show that you are a good candidate for LASIK.
Stable vision prescription
Prescriptions change from time to time. There are eye patients whose prescriptions do not last even a month. To undergo a successful LASIK surgery, you must have a stable prescription that can last a minimum of two years. Usually, this happens from the age of 18.
Overall good health
Underlying health conditions may make it difficult to undergo LASIK eye surgery. Other conditions may also allow you to have surgery but later inhibit recovery. Having eye conditions like cataracts or glaucoma makes it very dangerous to undergo LASIK eye surgery. Also, diseases such as diabetes may make you unsuitable for LASIK surgery.
Dry eye
Recovery from LASIK surgery is equally important. Patients with dry eye syndrome might need to treat the condition before eye surgery. You can opt for artificial tears or use nutritional supplements to help with eye lubrication.
Age
You can only get LASIK if you are above 18 years. Eyesight development happens more in people below 18. Hormonal changes during puberty may also affect your vision. It is, therefore, important to have LASIK after your eyes have stabilized.
The thickness of the cornea
During LASIK eye surgery, the surgeon makes a corneal flap to reshape and re-contour the cornea. The surgeon will not make a corneal flap if your cornea is too thin.
Takeaway
Custom LASIK is designed to meet your eyes’ unique needs and features. The procedure is proven to be safe and is an effective way to improve your blurred vision. You may never need glasses or contact lenses after custom LASIK. But the only way to find out is with a consultation. Book your appointment today.
