Custom-eyes
Newest laser surgery technique "fingerprints" the eye and makes LASIK even more attractive

It's hard to believe that we've already gone through three generations of laser eye surgery. But from PRK (photo-refractive keratectomy) in the '80s to LASIK (laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis) in the '90s, we are now on the cusp of better vision with the next generation in laser surgery - Custom LASIK.

Recently approved by the FDA, Custom LASIK, based on the unique characteristics of your eye, is the latest wave of laser surgery. Until now, two people with the same prescription would receive the same LASIK procedure (or glasses or contacts for that matter) to improve their vision.

During Custom LASIK, however, the surgeon takes a "fingerprint" of your eye from front to back using a wavefront device that creates a three-dimensional corneal map. This detailed diagram of your eye then guides the laser to reshape your cornea, enabling the surgeon to customize the surgery to your individual eyes.

In comparison, during traditional LASIK surgery, the surgeon photographs only the external surface of your eye using a corneal topographer, allowing the vision correction to match the prescription in your eyeglasses or contacts. This laser surgery has produced successful results for over a decade for people with refractive errors such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and structural irregularity in the eye (astigmatism).

Why Customize?
Custom LASIK's technology has the potential to not only correct the refractive errors addressed by traditional LASIK, but also the quality of your vision in terms of the ability to see contrast patterns and fine details. This means there is reduced risk of post-surgery complications, including glare, halos and poor night vision.

Custom LASIK is becoming more popular over time. In fact, in 2003, 44 percent of the 83,000 LASIK procedures performed in their laser centers were Custom LASIK, according to TLC Vision.

Custom LASIK, like traditional LASIK, won't cure all vision-related problems. It's important to discuss any type of vision correction with your VSP doctor to determine what's best for you and your lifestyle. Your doctor can help you make the right decision and manage your care through the process.

How Is VSP Responding to this New Technology?
Your members can improve their quality of life by seeing better, feeling better and looking better as a result of laser vision correction.

In October 2003, we made our Laser VisionCare^SM Program even more valuable by adding Custom LASIK using wavefront technology. In addition to the discounts your members currently receive on PRK and LASIK, now they can take advantage of the same discounts on this innovative technology.

Contact your VSP representative for more information about our Laser VisionCare Program to educate your members. And, learn how VSP is helping you keep ahead of other industry trends.