A Guide to Laser Vision Correction

Wavefront Technology: How It Has Improved LASIK

How Does Wavefront Analysis Work?

When your surgeon assesses your eye's imperfections with wavefront technology, he or she will probably use the most common wavefront technique-the Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensing method. During this process, your surgeon will shine a low-powered laser into your eye and will ask you to focus on the light. As the light is reflected out of your eye, an aberrometer, a sensing device with many small lenses, will precisely measure your eye's unique cluster of imperfections.

These data are translated into a constellation of "spots," and a special camera will take a picture of them. The data are then compared with the way light travels through eyes that have perfect vision. The difference between these two measurements is used to create a three-dimensional wavefront map.

Once this map, or blueprint, of the eye is produced, it is converted into a mathematical formula and fed into a computer. Later, this information is used to guide the laser beam as it reshapes your cornea during LASIK or PRK surgery. This allows the surgeon to customize your laser treatment according to the precise visual imperfections unique to your eye.

Better Results with Wavefront »