Computerized Technique Offers Vision Cure
'Wavefront' May Work Better Than LASIK
UPDATED: 10:07 a.m. EST February 18, 2003
LOS ANGELES -- A new vision correction technique called Wavefront is being touted by the experts as a procedure that is way in front of other conventional ones. Unlike conventional laser, which corrects one spot on the eye, this procedure uses a space-age computer to treat 200 spots.
Lee Vandevort's life changed drastically after he went to ophthalmologist Dr. Andrew Caster for a groundbreaking new procedure that cured his nearsightedness.
"We've done 10 patients -- every single one has gotten 20/20 vision or better," said Caster.
The technique is called custom ablation, or Wavefront LASIK, but it may be far better than simple LASIK.
"With LASIK, people had problems with night vision and glare and halos. This pretty much eliminates glare and night vision problem," said Caster.
Here's how it's done. A nurse uses drops to numb the patient's eyes and dilate the pupils. A technician then examines the eyes with the new Wavefront machine.
The patient looks through part of the device and light is bounced off the back of the patient's eye. The doctor gets information about 200 different spots on the eye. That information is then fed into the computer.
The computer then puts a three-dimensional map of the patient's eye onto a floppy disc. That image helps Caster cure every one of its imperfections.
"We take that disc, put it into the machine, the computer then programs the laser to treat each of 200 spots," Caster said.
It takes only five minutes to gently reshape the patient's entire cornea. Vandevort saw results immediately.
"Oh boy, I can see everyone. That's really something," said Vandevort right after the procedure.
Ten minutes later, he got to see his 8-month-old baby without glasses for the first time.
The procedure costs about $2,500 per eye, about the same as LASIK. Since it's so new, we'll have to wait awhile to see how it compares to LASIK in the long run. Early studies suggest it is better for many people.
For more information, please contact:
Lee Vandevort's life changed drastically after he went to ophthalmologist Dr. Andrew Caster for a groundbreaking new procedure that cured his nearsightedness.
"We've done 10 patients -- every single one has gotten 20/20 vision or better," said Caster.
The technique is called custom ablation, or Wavefront LASIK, but it may be far better than simple LASIK.
"With LASIK, people had problems with night vision and glare and halos. This pretty much eliminates glare and night vision problem," said Caster.
Here's how it's done. A nurse uses drops to numb the patient's eyes and dilate the pupils. A technician then examines the eyes with the new Wavefront machine.
The patient looks through part of the device and light is bounced off the back of the patient's eye. The doctor gets information about 200 different spots on the eye. That information is then fed into the computer.
The computer then puts a three-dimensional map of the patient's eye onto a floppy disc. That image helps Caster cure every one of its imperfections.
"We take that disc, put it into the machine, the computer then programs the laser to treat each of 200 spots," Caster said.
It takes only five minutes to gently reshape the patient's entire cornea. Vandevort saw results immediately.
"Oh boy, I can see everyone. That's really something," said Vandevort right after the procedure.
Ten minutes later, he got to see his 8-month-old baby without glasses for the first time.
The procedure costs about $2,500 per eye, about the same as LASIK. Since it's so new, we'll have to wait awhile to see how it compares to LASIK in the long run. Early studies suggest it is better for many people.
For more information, please contact:-
Dr. Andrew Caster
Caster Eye Center
(310) 274-1221
American Optometric AssociationFDA, Center for Devices and Radiological HealthFederal Trade Commission
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