I just read the below on USAEYES.org and am considering having the lasik using the Allegretto WaveLight. But per the below, are the other three options (CustomVue, CustomCornea, and Zyoptix) better and should I go with them instead if I am considering WaveFront?
Thanks for any help you can give me.
Thanks Bob for the original question.
Gwen

"In the United States, there are four wavefront responsive laser manufacturers. The trade names are CustomCornea using the Alcon LADARVision laser, CustomVue using the Visx S4 laser, and Zyoptix using the Bausch & Lomb Technolas 217z laser. These three have the ability to create an ablation customized from an individual patient's wavefront evaluation."

"The Allegretto WaveLight laser used wavefront derived data in the laboratory to optimize its laser ablation pattern, but does not use an individual patient's wavefront diagnosis to create a customized ablation pattern. CustomVue, CustomCornea, and Zyoptix are all customized to the individual's eye. Visx, Alcon, and B&L refer to their systems as "custom wavefront". WaveLight is referred to as "wavefront optimized"."

Since I'm the author of those quoted words, I suppose a response is in order.

The difference between lasers may be dramatic or may be inconsequential. All depends upon your individual circumstances.

If you are evaluated by a doctor who has available the Allegretto and the Visx S4, Alcon LADARVision, and/or the Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix, then this should be a doctor who can determine what is actually necessary for you to get the outcome you require.

You can look at the FDA clinical trial outcomes at http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/LASIK/lasers.htm, but they truthfully are not compatible. The range of correction varies from study to study.

You will probably only receive reliable answers to your concerns from a competent surgeon who has multiple lasers available and has completed a thorough examination of your eyes, health, and expectations.

Glenn Hagele
http://www.USAEyes.org

I am not a doctor.

Just wanted to thank you for your response. What I have found is that one Dr. uses one laser and another Dr. uses a different laser and so on. I have another question for you since you are so current on this website. Have you found that the occurance of problems has gone down with the new lasers? In reading past post, it seems like there was alot of problems in 2002 and 2003. It seems like alot of the new problems resolve over time, Or are flap issues. I may be way off base or missing the more current concerns.
Another question, how do Drs. become a CRSQA Certified Refractive Surgeon? I live in Seattle and the only office is Dr. King.
You can email me direct if you want.
Thanks
Gwen

Approximately 3% of refractive surgery patients (all procedures, all ranges of correction) have an unresolved complication at six months postop, with 0.5% having a severe complication that requires either extensive maintenance or invasive treatment.

The gross percentage of all refractive surgery induced complications at six months postop has not diminished significantly in the last five years, but the occurrence of severe problems has dropped dramatically. LASIK induced dry eye is the primary reason that the overall number has stayed close to the same. This one limitation has not been satisfactorily resolved. Virtually all other problems are much better avoided or treated, leaving most patients without severe problems.

Although 3% do have some sort of surgery induced complication at six months, it is reasonable to assume that a portion of those will resolve with further healing or treatment, however our organization does not evaluate beyond the six months postop period.

There were not really “a lot” of problems in 2002 and 2003, but there were a few patients who were very vocal about their problems. This led to significant press coverage. For the most part those people are still around, but the relevance of what occurred to them several years ago is not often germane to what is available today.

Certification by our organization is voluntary and there are fewer than 100 surgeons certified nationwide. To learn what is required to become certified, visit http://www.usaeyes.org/faq/subjects/certified.htm You may also want to review information about other certification programs and their relevance to refractive surgery at http://www.usaeyes.org/faq/subjects/different_certifications.htm

Glenn Hagele
http://www.USAEyes.org

I am not a doctor.

The Wavelight Allegretto approved in the USA is its 200 Hz system, the results of which even when wavefront optimized and not guided are as good if not superior to many lasers delivering custom LASIK available even today. We have used the 200 Hz with very good results and now use the next generation Wavelight Allegretto Eye Q 400 Hz laser with the Wavelight Analyser [aberrometer] with excellent results. The Wavelight is one laser which has been built from scratch to suit wavefront principles and not retro fitted or upgraded with just software.
You can find more info on the following link about the Wavelight laser.
www.perfectwavelasik.com/laser.asp

Safala