Wavefront-guided LASIK (or custom LASIK) is a type of refractive surgery. With this outpatient procedure, a laser is used to reshape your cornea, improving how light rays are focused in the eye. A device called a wavefront scanner creates a very detailed map of the cornea. This map is programmed into the laser. This helps guide the laser precisely to points where the cornea needs to be reshaped.
LASIK is used to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. It cannot correct presbyopia, the normal loss of close-up vision that comes with age. However, some people have LASIK to achieve monovision.
This allows them to use one eye for close vision and the other for seeing distant objects clearly. With LASIK, people can do most of their everyday tasks without corrective lenses. However, you might need to wear glasses for certain activities, such as reading or driving at night.
Your ophthalmologist will thoroughly examine your eyes to make sure you are a good candidate for wavefront-guided LASIK. You and your ophthalmologist will also discuss the risks and rewards of this refractive procedure.
