Many people suffer from varying degrees of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. These vision problems are better known as “refractive errors.” While corrective lenses were the sure way to treat them in the past, technological advances led to the creation of LASIK surgery, which reshaped the cornea to ensure light focuses properly in the eyes. This was a revolution in the field of ophthalmology, and a true godsend to many people who did not care for their glasses or contacts.

Technology doesn’t stop moving, however. In fact, our Portland LASIK centers are pleased to offer patients custom LASIK surgery. The next step forward in refractive surgery, custom LASIK offers plenty of advantages to traditional LASIK of the past.

About Custom LASIK Surgery

While all LASIK surgery is customized, custom LASIK takes the procedure to a whole new level. Using the latest technology, our laser vision correction practice serving Portland can map your entire corneal surface. Using this virtual map, the LASIK laser will pinpoint the exact places to reshape.

How Custom LASIK Surgery Works

Custom LASIK surgery is made possible by wave front digital mapping technology. The scan will track every part of the corneal surface. This helps pinpoint the most minute imperfections of the cornea, giving the computer-controlled laser a guide to follow when it corrects your vision. By treating those minor distortions of the corneal shape, we are able to address both lower order aberrations and higher order aberrations with incredible accuracy.

Lower Order Aberrations and Higher Order Aberrations

Lower order aberrations refer to basic refractive errors mentioned above. Higher order aberrations, on the other hand, refer to other sorts of visions problems, such as:

• Blurriness and haziness
• Starbursts
• Glare
• Haloes
• Double vision
• Poor night vision
• Poor color sensitivity

Only Portland custom LASIK can address these higher order aberrations as well as lower order aberrations. Traditional LASIK is only able to address lower order aberrations.

What does this mean for LASIK surgery patients?

For one, it means that a LASIK surgeon serving Portland is able to provide patients with the best possible eye care today. Patients will be able to see clearer, and have their eyesight corrected with remarkable precision that is specific to their needs.

Increased Quality of Vision - Is 20/20 a reality?

We don’t like to make guarantees about perfect vision because that gives patients unrealistic expectations about LASIK and what it can achieve. It would be irresponsible of us to make such claims. While custom LASIK does enhance the vision a great deal and can help increase chances of attaining perfect vision, it is not a certainty.

That said, custom LASIK will reduce your dependency on corrective lenses. Most patients achieve 20/40 vision or better. And since custom LASIK will treat higher order aberrations, a patient’s vision is markedly enhanced regardless what his or her final prescription winds up being.

Learn More About Custom LASIK Surgery

If you would like more information about LASIK surgery and how it can help improve your vision, contact our laser eye surgery centers serving Portland today. The entire team at our practice is eager to meet you in person and discuss how you can see clearly without being dependent on prescription corrective lenses.