LASIK has revolutionized vision correction, offering millions the chance to reduce or eliminate their reliance on glasses and contact lenses. However, not all LASIK is created equal. Advances in LASIK technology have enhanced the procedure’s safety, precision, and visual
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Topography-guided versus wavefront-optimized laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia: Surgical outcomes
Kim J, Choi SH, Lim DH, Yang CM, Yoon GJ, Chung TY
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outcomes
.
For patients, selecting a LASIK provider equipped with the latest technology is crucial for achieving optimal results. Modern lasers allow LASIK surgeons to customize treatments to each patient’s unique eye anatomy, improving accuracy and reducing the risk of complications.
How Are Lasers Used in LASIK?
LASIK utilizes two primary types of lasers to correct vision:
Femtosecond Laser
- Function: Creates a thin, hinged flap on the cornea, which is lifted to allow reshaping.
- Advantages: Replaces the traditional microkeratome blade, offering superior precision, safety, and comfort.
- Example: The WaveLight® FS200 Femtosecond Laser, known for its speed and accuracy.
Excimer Laser
- Function: Reshapes the cornea by removing microscopic layers of tissue to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
- Advantages: Delivers highly accurate corneal reshaping while preserving surrounding tissue.
- Example: The WaveLight® EX500 Excimer Laser operates at high speeds for efficient treatment.
By combining these lasers, LASIK achieves remarkable precision and safety, enabling patients to experience clear vision in as little as a day.
Contoura® LASIK: Precision Through Topography-Guided Technology
Contoura LASIK takes customization to a new level by mapping over 22,000 points on the corneal surface. This detailed mapping allows for the correction of corneal
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Brunson P, Mann PM II, Mann PM, Potvin R (2022) Comparison of refractive and visual acuity results after Contoura® Vision topography-guided LASIK planned with the Phorcides Analytic Engine to results after wavefront-optimized LASIK in eyes with oblique astigmatism
Comparison of refractive and visual acuity results after Contoura® Vision topography-guided LASIK planned with the Phorcides Analytic Engine to results after wavefront-optimized LASIK in eyes with oblique astigmatism
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irregularities
that other methods may miss, often achieving vision better than 20/20.
Comparison of Contoura to Other Technologies
Wavefront-Guided LASIK:
- Approach: Focuses on internal eye aberrations and offers a customized treatment.
- Limitations: Does not address corneal surface irregularities as effectively as Contoura®.
- Contoura Advantage: Comprehensive mapping treats both higher-order aberrations and surface-level imperfections.
VisX Technology:
- Approach: Reliable for traditional LASIK, with a proven history of success in correcting refractive errors.
- Limitations: Less adaptable for unique corneal irregularities.
- Contoura Advantage: Delivers superior customization and sharper visual outcomes.
Key Highlights
- Contoura excels in treating irregular corneas, making it ideal for patients with unique eye anatomy.
- Clinical results show a high percentage of Contoura patients achieving vision better than 20/20.
Alcon WaveLight® Refractive Suite: Precision and Efficiency
The WaveLight Refractive Suite combines advanced diagnostic and surgical technologies for efficient and precise LASIK treatments.
Components
WaveLight® Topolyzer® Vario Diagnostic Device: Provides detailed corneal topography for tailored treatments.
WaveLight® EX500 Excimer Laser: Operates at 500 Hz for faster reshaping and reduced
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Topography-guided versus wavefront-optimized laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia: Surgical outcomes
Kim J, Choi SH, Lim DH, Yang CM, Yoon GJ, Chung TY
Go to Source
procedure times
.
WaveLight® FS200 Femtosecond Laser: Creates precise corneal flaps quickly and safely.
Comparison of WaveLight® to Other Technologies
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction):
Benefits: Flapless procedure reduces the risk of dry eye and preserves more corneal integrity.
Limitations: Primarily treats myopia and mild astigmatism; not suitable for hyperopia (NIH).
WaveLight Advantage: Treats a broader range of refractive errors, including hyperopia and severe astigmatism.
zLASIK:
- Benefits: Uses the Ziemer laser for precise flap creation.
- Limitations: Slower treatment speed and limited integration with diagnostic tools.
- WaveLight Advantage: Combines high-speed diagnostics and treatment for faster, more accurate results.
Key Highlights
- WaveLight offers broader treatment options and faster recovery compared to alternatives like SMILE or zLASIK.
- Its integrated technology ensures a seamless diagnostic-to-treatment process.
See the Future Clearly with Advanced LASIK Technology
Choosing the right LASIK technology is critical for achieving optimal visual outcomes. Contoura LASIK stands out for its precision and ability to correct corneal irregularities, while the WaveLight Refractive Suite offers unmatched speed and efficiency. Both technologies represent the pinnacle of innovation in laser vision correction.
When considering the cost of LASIK, it’s essential to weigh the long-term benefits of advanced technologies like Contoura and WaveLight. These state-of-the-art solutions not only provide exceptional visual outcomes but also enhance your quality of life by reducing reliance on glasses and contacts.
If you’re ready to explore how advanced LASIK technology can transform your vision, schedule a consultation with Skyline LASIK today. Let us help you see the world more clearly.
Sources
1 Kim J, Choi SH, Lim DH, Yang CM, Yoon GJ, Chung TY. Topography-guided versus wavefront-optimized laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia: Surgical outcomes. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2019 Jul;45(7):959-965. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2019.01.031. Epub 2019 Jun 10. PMID: 31196580. Available: https://chatgpt.com/c/6744ea9c-ba30-8004-aeb9-575cdd8ba00f. Accessed November 25, 2024.
2 Comparison of refractive and visual acuity results after Contoura® Vision topography-guided LASIK planned with the Phorcides Analytic Engine to results after wavefront-optimized LASIK in eyes with oblique astigmatism
Brunson P, Mann PM II, Mann PM, Potvin R (2022) Comparison of refractive and visual acuity results after Contoura® Vision topography-guided LASIK planned with the Phorcides Analytic Engine to results after wavefront-optimized LASIK in eyes with oblique astigmatism. PLOS ONE 17(12): e0279357. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0279357. Accessed November 25, 2024.
3 Kim J, Choi SH, Lim DH, Yang CM, Yoon GJ, Chung TY. Topography-guided versus wavefront-optimized laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia: Surgical outcomes. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2019 Jul;45(7):959-965. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2019.01.031. Epub 2019 Jun 10. PMID: 31196580. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31196580/. Accessed November 25, 2024.
