With all the buzzwords involved with refractive surgery these days, it can get confusing to know what’s what. Regarding LASIK and Wavefront LASIK, the primary difference between the two is the mapping system that guides the laser. Wavefront can be used for virtually all laser eye surgery techniques including All-Laser LASIK, LASIK, PRK, LASEK, and Epi-LASIK.

Wavefront is actually a very old technology that has only recently been applied to human vision. It has been used for years by astronomers who need to adjust the optics of their telescopes. A reflecting mirror within the telescope that can be deformed is adjusted using wavefront data to eliminate aberrations induced by the Earth's atmosphere. In wavefront custom Lasik, PRK, LASEK, and Epi-Lasik, the excimer laser uses wavefront information to change the shape of the cornea by ablating tissue.

Wavefront technology as a diagnostic device is unsurpassed. This technology can diagnose and measure aberrations that no other system can even see. It is important to understand that without a wavefront diagnosis, it is impossible for a doctor to accurately determine if wavefront-guided ablation is necessary for a good LASIK, PRK, or LASEK outcome. Also, without a wavefront diagnosis it is impossible for a doctor to accurately determine if a wavefront ablation is not necessary. In other words, virtually every person considering LASIK, LASEK, PRK, or Epi-Lasik should have a wavefront diagnostic evaluation.

However, f you are considering monovision correction, it will may be necessary to use conventional LASIK, PRK, LASEK, or Epi-Lasik rather than wavefront-guided. Current wavefront-guided lasers are very limited in their ability to undercorrect. It's full correction or nothing at this time. While the non-dominant eye will need to be undercorrected with a conventional ablation, the dominant eye may be fully corrected with a wavefront-guided ablation. Undoubtedly, each of the manufacturers will eventually allow their lasers to undercorrect in wavefront-guided mode.