Wavefront Custom LASIK Chicago

If you are interested in LASIK Laser Vision Correction, you have probably heard the term, "wavefront" used in connection with the procedure. What is "wavefront", what advantages can this revolutionary technology offer you and how can it impact your vision after surgery?

Dr. Sondheimer offers custom Wavefront LASIK as well as conventional laser surgery. What is wavefront? Basically, it refers to the excimer laser's capability which is two-fold: to provide

a incredibly detailed map of the eye for diagnostic purposes that is uniquely individual to each patient; and
highly sophisticated and individualized information that can enable Dr. Sondheimer to change the shape of the cornea using the more advanced diagostic mapping sysem.

The Wavefront technology was developed some years ago as a means to refine and sharpen the optics in high-powered the telescopes used by astronomers. It is a technology that has allowed scientists better views of the universe by eliminating aberrations caused by the Earth's atmosphere. Now, wavefront technology has been applied to produce highly refined corneal "maps" and to use the same information to treat aberrations of the cornea by eliminating carefully selected tissue in an effort to improve vision. Remember, LASIK works by reshaping the cornea (that is too steep or too flat) of the eye to enable light to converge in a clear point of focus on the macula (central portion) of the retina.

Your LASIK evaluation will begin with a complete examination by Dr. Sondheimer. At this point, wavefront diagnostics may be used to accurately determine if wavefront-guided correction is the procedure of choice in order to provide optimal vision after surgery. Wavefront technology works by measuring the distortions or irregularities of the eye, also known as higher order aberrations. When a ray of light first enters the eye, it passes through the cornea, through the lens and vitreous where it reaches the retina. As it bounces off the retina and returns through the vitreous, lens, etc., wavefront analysis detects any distortions/aberrations in the eye which are uniquely individual. This information can then be used to create a customized
"map" of the eye and a customized treatment program.

There are several instances in which wavefront ablation may not be preferable, i.e., thin corneas, the size of the pupil too small, too nearsighted, too farsighted, too much astigmatism, etc. Based on your complete eye exam and wavefront diagnostics, Dr. Sondheimer will discuss the advisability of undergoing the wavefront procedure. It is important that each patient understand there are no guarantees for any surgical outcome, and refractive surgery is included Dr. Sondheimer, however, wants to offer the latest technology for those patients who are candidates and want to avail themselves of it, and he will thoroughly discuss all options with you.

If you are considering undergoing "monovision" (the undercorrection of one eye to create a situation in which one eye can be used for distance vision and the other for near vision) to get rid of bifocals or reading glasses, you will need to undergo conventional LASIK since wavefront technology will NOT undercorrect the eye.

Custom wavefront LASIK is certainly a high technology option, but there are exceptions and it is not for every patient. Discuss Wavefront with Dr. Sondheimer who will thoroughly explore your particular options and make recommendations based on years of performing successful surgeries.

As a leading LASIK Chicago surgeon, Dr. Sondheimer is proud to offer his patients the latest technology, including Custom wavefront LASIK. He also offers his Chicago cataract surgery patients leading intraocular lenses such as ReStor and Crystalens.