Wavelight LASIK

Wavefront optimized LASIK and LASEK/PRK procedures are the newest innovations in laser vision correction. To obtain the best result, here at the Cornea and Laser Eye Institute - Hersh Vision Group we are using the new Wavelight Allegretto Eye-Q laser for our procedures. The goal of these procedures is to be even more precise than with previous technologies, to optimize your visual results, and to help avoid night vision side effects such a haloes around lights.

How does it work?

Wavefront optimized LASIK is based on technology used by astronomers to sharpen the image of distant objects that may have been distorted, for instance, by the earth's atmosphere. Aside from nearsightedness or astigmatism, vision can also be affected by "higher order aberrations". These aberrations can be thought of as static light, which lessens the clarity of the signal or image. This is analagous to everyday TV use. For instance, a high definition TV has more focused signal and less static or aberrations, and thus a better picture.

The same is true for your eye. Each eye has a unique aberration profile which remains even if nearsightedness and astigmatism is corrected. After LASIK, specific aberrations or visual static components can potentially affect night vision, with symptoms such as glare and halo images. Minimizing or correcting these aberrations will, we hope, make your vision correction more precise, whether done by a LASIK or LASEK/PRK technique. The Wavelight laser was conceived and developed to incorporate wavefront principles into each procedure by adjusting the laser treatment for the patient's specific corneal curvature.  Specifically, the laser algorithm adjusts for your "spherical  aberration" based on your individual prescription and corneal curvature.

The Wavelight Allegretto Eye-Q Laser

With a repetition rate of 400 pulses per second, the Wavelight Allegretto Eye-Q laser is the fastest available in the world today. This rapid treatment speed, we think, translates into dehydration of the cornea with better predictability of the result.  In addition, an integrated high speed eye tracker assures that each spot of the treatment is placed in exactly the right spot, even if you move your eye.

The Wavelight laser also features a new approach to laser vision correction. Most current laser systems may leave the eye with increased spherical aberration, which degrades the quality of vision, especially at night, and may cause the glare and halo phenomenon. The Wavelight laser adjusts the treatment based on individual curvature measurements, with the hope of minimizing spherical aberration and improve vision quality both during the day and night.

The Wavelight laser affords an optimized energy stability control. This program automatically balances the energy levels during the treatment to ensure that every laser pulse (of thousands in a treatment) creates the same result. In addition, the Wavelight laser utilizes a small beam diameter. This allows for proper treatment of the smallest curvatures of the cornea and results in a very smooth postoperative corneal surface. 

The Wavelight laser also appears to be advantageous in treating patients with large pupils. This is because of the optimized shaping of the periphery of the corneal treatment as well as the larger treatment zone sizes that can be used if necessary. Thus, the risk of glare and halo at night, while not eliminated, may be minimized.  All in all, these many Wavelight features and advancements seem to offer advantages to laser vision correction.  In fact, studies that we have done at CLEI demonstrate improved results using this technology.

The Cornea and Laser Eye Institute is located in beautiful Teaneck, New Jersey, an easy commute from Paramus and Morristown, and is the preferred destination for LASIK patients across the bridge in Manhattan, New York City. Our NJ LASIK patients are encouraged to visit our office and have their questions answered personally.