I am scheduled for LASIK on December 6th and my doctor is using the LaserScan LSX. My pupil size is 7mm. Can anyone explain the difference between optical and treatment zones? According to LaserSight the LSX is approved for a 6mm optical zone and a 7mm treatment zone. Thanks to anyone who takes their time to respond.

Paul

The treatment zone usually incorporates a blend zone which tranistions the optical zone to the edge of the treatment zone. Only the treatment zone correction carries the full prescription of the treatment.

Hope this helps. Good luck with your procedure.

Patrick Chin, MD
Westwood, NJ

Sorry, I meant that the optical zone carries the entire prescription not the treatment zone as I stated earlier

Patrick Chin, MD
Westwood, NJ

Dr. Chin according to what you said it seems to me that the best potential for optimum results would be achieved by using a laser that has an optical treatment zone equal to or greater than ones pupil size. Is my thinking correct, if not could you please explain why it isn't? Again thanks so much for your time.

Paul

To minimize the risks of glare and haloes, you should have a optical treatment as large or larger than your pupil size in dim light. However, we know there are moany other factors that can result in glare and haloes because there are those patients done with earlier technology without glare and haloes despite large pupils and there are those with haloes and small pupils. In addition, the larger the optical treatment zone the deeper the ablation so your doctor will take that into account for your treatment.

Hope that helps.

Patrick Chin, MD
Westwood, NJ