I answered this question recently - although the questioner was more specific and asked about wavefront technology for customize laser. Here is my answer from last week
Just as with computers, the lasers used for LASIK continue to be improved. We hope that the next generation of lasers will be able to provide customized treatments of the cornea - as everyone has slight individual differences than everyone else.
Wavefront analysis is a technique to examine all of the aberrations of the eye, and then develop a customized treatment based on the wavefront analysis.
Margarete McDonald performed the first wavefront-linked LASIK procedures in October 1999, and subsequently treated a second group of patients in the Spring of 2000. These are pilot projects, and it will probably take 2-4 years for the kinks of wavefront-linked LASIK to be worked out, and to have it approved by the FDA. At this time, the advantages of wavefront is still theorectical.
Some experts believe that future LASIK treatments with wavefront will require an initial standard LASIK, followed by a wavefront analysis 3-6 months later. An enhancement procedure would then be performed utilizing the wavefront information to "touch things up". The two step method would therefore be available to people who have not yet had LASIK, and as well would be available to people who have already had their initial LASIK.
Sorry for such a long answer. Please feel free to ask me further questions.
Bill Trattler, MD
Center for Excellence In Eye Care at Baptist Hospital
Miami, FL
