What Kind of Laser is Used for LASIK?

LASIK surgery is the most popular laser vision correction procedure performed today, and for good reason. Ongoing advancements in laser technology have made way for successful surgeries and better visual outcomes. At Great Plains Eye Specialistsin Rapid City, Dr. Wright utilizes the latest advancements in LASIK surgery to offer patients the best possible vision correction experience. The kind of lasers used for LASIK include the following:

Bladeless Femtosecond – LASIK involves reshaping the cornea to correct the refractive error. To access the cornea, a flap must be made. In previous vision correction techniques, the flap was created using a hand-held bladed tool. Modern LASIK techniques utilize a femtosecond laser to create the flap, eliminating the risks associated with the use of a manual blade. Studies have shown that the femtosecond laser allows for more precise corneal flap thickness, improving the accuracy and predictability. This also offers a decreased risk of corneal abrasions during the procedure, and a decreased risk of induced astigmatism after LASIK. It also gives more options in terms of flap size, shape, and orientation, yielding a more customized procedure, as well as a faster healing time thanks to the smoother edges of the flap. 

Wavefront Technology – Wavefront LASIK is the most advanced, most effective type of laser technology. Wavefront lasers are able to measure your prescription 25 times more accurately than the measurements taken during more traditional eye exams, allowing surgeons with the technology to be far more precise. This technology ensures that you’ll receive a precise, custom-designed LASIK treatment specifically suited to meet the unique needs of your eyes. 

Femtosecond Laser Technology – The femtosecond laser represents one of the greatest single technological advances since LASIK’s introduction in 1989. In fact, femtosecond lasers are precisely the reason why we at Saddleback Eye Center can claim that our procedure is 100% blade-free, or all-laser LASIK technology. Those surgeons operating without a femtosecond laser (offering what we refer to as “conventional LASIK”), still have to rely on a metal blade and a mechanical holding device to create the corneal flap. Would you rather have a precision laser, or a metal blade operating on your eyeball? Dr. Manger’s LASIK procedure relies on the femtosecond laser, allowing him to offer significantly more precision than traditional LASIK procedures.

Custom Wavefront Mapping – Wavefront mapping is a highly sophisticated technology that allows Dr. Wright to create a 3D image of your eye. The information gathered by the wavefront map system helps detect the eye’s unique imperfections and it allows the laser to create a smoother and more precise corneal shaping. Wavefront technology increases the accuracy of visual outcomes and reduces the likelihood of side effects such as glare and halos.

Dr. Wright in Rapid City would love to help you reach your goals of clear vision with these advanced LASIK techniques. To schedule a LASIK consultation, contact Great Plains Eye Specialiststoday at 605-718-5123 or website.