The Eye Surgery Education Council of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Foundation
today issued a clarification on the use of the terms "wavefront-guided," and
"wavefront-optimized" in connection with laser-based procedures (LASIK, PRK,
etc.) and implantable lenses used for vision correction purposes. This
clarification is issued to help patients make better-informed decisions
regarding their eye care.
Wavefront-guided vision correction procedures customize laser treatments
based on the individual characteristics of the eye that is being corrected. The
term "wavefront-optimized" refers to laser treatment software that has been
designed with certain corrections pre-programmed, although a true and customized
wavefront plan is not employed.
The advent of wavefront technology enables ophthalmologists to measure and
treat the defects of the eye's visual system that extend beyond what can be
corrected by the basic prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. In
addition, wavefront concepts are now being used in the design of artificial
lenses that are implanted into the eye as part of treating cataracts and other
vision problems.
Conventional vs. Wavefront
Conventional diagnostic systems and the treatment software that operates the
lasers, rely upon the same kind of data that would be gathered during the
physical examinations and ophthalmic tests used to make prescription eye glasses
and contact lenses.
By contrast, the most commonly used wavefront technology passes light into
the eye, reflects it off the inside of the back of the eye, and then measures
how this light is distorted as it exits. All of the light rays that exit the eye
form the wavefront, which is representative of the eye's focusing
characteristics. This reflected light or wavefront is analyzed by computer
software for distortions caused by the eye's optical imperfections. For
laser-based vision correction procedures, that information is then used to
generate a customized treatment plan that guides the laser as it treats the
individual eye in question.
Wavefront-guided vs. Wavefront-optimized