Traditional LASIK Vs. Custom LASIK Is there a Difference

1. Traditional LASIK Vs. Custom LASIK: Is there a Difference? LASIK surgery has positively impacted the lives of a lot of people around the world. LASIK is an elective procedure which has helped millions of people enjoy better eyesight. In recent years, technology has revolutionized the LASIK procedure. You may wonder about the traditional LASIK procedure and whether it is better than custom LASIK. Read on to find out the differences between traditional and custom LASIK. Traditional vs Custom LASIK Both custom and traditional LASIK procedures are based on the same principles and are safe and effective. However, due to advanced technology, custom LASIK has greater accuracy and precision. Although these procedures are similar, one being both can help correct hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism. Nonetheless, there are distinct differences. In traditional LASIK, the surgeon uses a laser to alter the shape of the cornea. This procedure enables the retina to focus properly, which is essential for good vision. While traditional LASIK was effective for correcting refractive errors, many patients achieved 20/40 vision with this procedure.With the evolvement of laser surgery, custom LASIK was introduced. Custom LASIK features digital mapping technology that allows a more accurate cornea scan. Surgeons can effortlessly detect minor imperfections of the cornea that would be difficult to identify in traditional LASIK. Using digital mapping technology means patients can improve their overall sight quality. Traditional LASIK vs Custom LASIK: Which One is Right for You? Although both procedures serve the same purpose, custom LASIK surgery offers better results than traditional LASIK surgery. Since eye care technology has evolved, custom LASIK yields better results. In addition to the effectiveness of custom vision correction, it is safer than traditional LASIK. This procedure is computer-based and reduces the possibility of human-made errors leading to a safe procedure.Conventional LASIK utilizes sophisticated ways of examining your eyes before surgery using an aberrometer. However, this instrument may need to be updated to determine your eyes' optical properties. With custom surgery, doctors can diagnose and treat lower and higher-order aberrations, whereas traditional LASIK can only diagnose and correct lower-order aberrations.Higher-order aberrations are imperfections in the corneal surface that result in night vision and sensitivity issues, while lower-order aberrations include refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. There is also a significant price difference. Since custom LASIK uses the latest technology, it costs more than traditional LASIK. If you are not on a budget, consider getting Custom LASIK.

2. Traditional LASIK vs Custom LASIK: Procedure and Results Details Both LASIK procedures take a relatively short time, approximately 30 minutes. They are both virtually painless. The major difference between the two is how the corneal flap is created. The surgeon uses a manual microkeratome blade in conventional LASIK to create the corneal flap. As much as this method is considered safe, a hand-held blade comes with possible risks. A simple human error can lead to a huge complication.Custom LASIK utilizes a femtosecond laser to create the corneal flap. This procedure is safe because a femtosecond laser reduces the risk of complications. Recovery time with both procedures falls under the same timeframe. Patients should be able to notice visual improvement within days after both surgeries. Additionally, the patients should be able to resume their normal activities after one day. Although traditional LASIK has gained popularity over the years due to its high success rate, custom LASIK works better by improving the results produced by the conventional procedure.Apart from reducing dependence on prescription glasses and contact lenses, custom LASIK enables patients to see clearly under low light conditions. Conclusion Are you interested in learning more about traditional and custom LASIK procedures? Schedule a free consultation with us. We would be happy to discuss which corrective surgery suits you best.