Advanced Wavefront: Guided vs Optimized vs Guided Contoura
The development of wavefront vision mapping technologies has been one of the biggest breakthroughs in eye care in recent years. Advanced wavefront technologies have established a new standard in the precise measurement and correction of vision problems, allowing optometrists to accurately diagnose and subsequently treat problems that couldn’t be diagnosed previously.
Wavefront-guided systems are tools used for different purposes and diagnostics. This article describes and compares the various forms in which advanced wavefront technologies are currently used — Advanced Wavefront-Guided LASIK, Advanced Wavefront-Optimized Vision Mapping, and Advanced Topography-Guided Contoura Vision Lasik.
Advanced Wavefront-Guided LASIK & PRK
To chart or plot the wavefront maps, the optometrists pass a narrow ray of light through the optical system to measure the distortions in your eye. The distortions or aberrations in your eye are then compared with the flat wavefront map of eyes with optimal vision. As a result, the wavefront map produces incredibly accurate results and measurements within 3 minutes, facilitating accurate diagnostics and treatment.
Advanced wavefront-guided LASIK & PRK are laser surgeries customized according to your eyes’ unique properties. The wavefront technology creates a three-dimensional image of your internal eye structures and properties, highlighting the smallest structural anomalies that may affect your vision. The wavefront mapping information is used to guide the laser procedure with greater accuracy than previously possible, producing far superior results without complications.
The advanced wavefront-guided LASIK & PRK surgeries are suitable for patients suffering nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and other similar vision problems. The optometrists will examine your eyes and create a wavefront map to determine the ideal procedure for your individual needs. Generally speaking, the PRK option is suitable for patients with severe vision problems or those in active professions with a high risk of eye impact, such as combat sports, athletics, police work, etc.
Advanced Wavefront-Optimized LASIK & PRK
To produce advanced wavefront-optimized maps, the optometrists use special corneal mapping technologies to highlight the distortion of light caused by potential anomalies and irregularities in your eye. People with healthy eyes maintain optimal dome-shaped corneal curvature, but patients with weak vision generally have peaks and valleys in their corneal curvature map. The peaks and valleys in the corneal map represent distortions in the eye structure.
The wavefront-optimized map results are then used to guide LASIK and PRK surgeries, depending on your unique needs and concerns. As mentioned previously, PRK surgeries may be preferable over LASIK for individuals with severe vision problems or at high risk of eye impact. The advanced wavefront-optimized system also guides in LASIK and PRK surgeries, but it delivers more energy to the cornea for even greater accuracy. Your optometrist will determine which type of diagnosis is more suitable for your concerns.
Advanced Topography-Guided Contoura Vision Lasik
The advanced topography-guided Contoura system is an improvement on the previously-mentioned wavefront-guided and optimized systems. While standard wavefront-guided systems chart 200 elevation points in each cornea, the topography-guided Contoura system charts 22,000 elevation points on each eye, creating a highly detailed map that reveals microscopic peaks and valleys in your corneal structure. The advanced topography-guided Contoura system is also used for LASIK surgeries, but it ensures even greater accuracy of results.
If you’re considering LASIK or PRK surgeries, please contact our office to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options.