The awesome outcomes of LASIK surgeries have been vastly improved through the contributions of research an example of which is the Wavefront Technology. With this technological discovery, a LASIK physician’s ability is augmented since it would be easier for the doctor to see and to map accurately even the slightest variations in the façade of the eye. An individualistic approach is made possible since it would be easier for the physician to tailor an operation specific for the individual’s case and results to an even clearer vision on the part of the patient after undergoing refractive surgery.
History and Principle
The principle behind Wavefront technology was developed originally by astronomers. This particular technology was used in order to distinguish whether a mirror or lens possess even a bit of imperfection or flaw in it. This has become very important and useful in the field of astronomy since they could use it to come up with almost perfect optics for them to be able to clearly see the small light sources from millions of miles away in its location in the universe. In the 1970’s, a sensor was made in order to electronically verify these surfaces. They were successful in their feat.
Nowadays, the use of this technology has evolved. It is now being used in the field of ophthalmology particularly in the refractive surgery operations using the Wavefront guided LASIK surgery. This was first employed in Germany by the physician named Josef Bille. He started using the sensor in his practice, and later influenced others as well. With a few innovations in the refinement of the sensor and the way of using it, the sensor later on was found out to be useful in LASIK technology. In 1997, the greatly improved sensor having a greater accuracy and speed was made known to manufacturers of the LASIK laser. After that the companies made use of it in manufacturing the LASIK equipment and in the development of tools that utilizes the Wavefront concept for every laser system used in refractive surgery.
Approval of Use
The very first Wavefront technology which was used as a guide for LASIK surgery in the correction of defective vision was approved by the FDA. It was initially used in a general sense rather than being employed for a particular use. At that time, the Wavefront sensor was able to create a map of the imperfections or defects of the eye. The map is then sent to the laser that was used in the LASIK procedure in the vision correction part of the operation. Using the sensors permitted the physician to precisely altering the eye in order for LASIK to conduct the best correction of vision possible.
The Wavefront Technology’s Appearance
The Wavefront technology being used in LASIK may be described at an unceremonious level. It is a small, flat sheet of light. This passes through the eye which is actually reflected away from the retina, and goes back through the eye and then captured by the Wavefront machine. If the eye is not flawed and no imperfections were found, the light will return like a flat sheet and captured appearing that way by the LASIK machine. On the other hand, whenever irregularities are found, the light that goes back exhibits some alterations in the way of its return which is then being detected by the Wavefront portion of the LASIK procedure.
Wavelength Technology’s Function
A collection of these tiny, flat sheets of light are being sent into the individual eye coming from a variety of directions. The result of its return is a generation of map of the eye which can actually be used in the correction process of the LASIK vision. Adding to the list of commonly identified problems of farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism are more than sixty other patterns that have long been known and can possibly be corrected.
All the information that is generated by the Wavefront Sensors of the LASIK are being converted through a software towards a number of directions where they are carried out.
If you are considering getting a LASIK surgery, ask your doctor for him to determine whether or not the technology is appropriate for you.
