Custom LASIK
The Difference You`ve Been Waiting For

	Custom LASIK is a significant advancement in laser vision correction we are excited to provide for you today.

Custom LASIK with the Visx laser is probably the greatest advancement in laser vision correction in the last decade, and it is now available at Lipstock Laser Center. The Custom LASIK technique utilizes a device called a WaveScan that measures more than nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The WaveScan enables us to gather data on other, more specific imperfections in each individual’s vision, like a fingerprint of the eye. This data is then entered into the laser to generate an individualized treatment plan that corrects a person’s unique visual distortions which were previously untreatable with glasses, contacts, or Conventional LASIK.

As was recently demonstrated in a multi-center FDA clinical study, Custom LASIK with the Visx laser sets a new standard for laser vision correction. Although Conventional LASIK has had remarkably excellent results, this study demonstrated that Custom LASIK was both more accurate and safer than Conventional LASIK and that with Custom LASIK one can obtain even clearer and sharper vision than one sees with glasses or contacts both day and night. With Conventional LASIK the goal had been to obtain equal vision to that with glasses or contacts. But now with Custom LASIK it appears the mold has been broken and a new level of previously unseen visual clarity can be obtained.

Lipstock Laser Center has been performing LASIK longer than anywhere in Virginia, and during this time we have remained committed to providing for our patients only the most advanced technology available. Custom LASIK with the Visx laser is a significant advancement in laser vision correction we are excited to provide for you today.

Custom LASIK FAQ`s

1. What is Custom LASIK (individualized laser vision) correction?
   Custom LASIK individualized laser vision correction is WaveScan driven, which enables the physician to measure and correct unique imperfections in each individual’s vision. Many of these imperfections could never be measured before using standard methods for glasses and contact lenses or Conventional LASIK.
   
   
2. Who is a candidate for Custom LASIK?
   If you are 18 years of age or older and wear glasses or contacts to correct nearsightedness and/or astigmatism you may benefit from Custom LASIK.
   
   
3. What is Personal Best Vision?
   Because every individual’s eyes are unique, each individual may benefit from a correction custom-tailored for them. For the first time, Custom LASIK using WaveScan technology can measure and correct the unique characteristics of each individual’s vision, potentially providing them with the best possible vision for their eyes, or their Personal Best Vision.
   
   
4. What is WaveScan technology?
   WaveScan technology was originally developed for use in high-powered telescopes to reduce distortions when viewing distant objects in space. In fact it was WaveScan technology that enabled the Hubble telescope to be repaired. This technology has now been applied to laser vision correction, measuring imperfections in the eye never before measured using standard methods for glasses and contact lenses. WaveScan-based digital technology identifies and measures imperfections in an individual’s eye 25 times more precisely than standard methods. Physicians use this information to treat individuals with the Custom LASIK procedure.
   
   
5. Why is WaveScan technology so important to the Custom LASIK procedure?
   Until now, physicians were forced to practice one-size-fits-all vision. An off-the-shelf lens corrects an individual’s vision fairly well, but it does not correct it precisely because it is not uniquely tailored to that person’s fingerprint of vision. Now, with WaveScan technology, we can custom tailor a correction for the unique characteristics of each individual`s vision.
   
   
6. How is the information transferred from the WaveScan to the laser?
   The WaveScan digital information is transferred to the laser, providing a new level or precision and accuracy.
   
   
7. Is the actual LASIK part of Custom LASIK performed the same as Conventional LASIK? Or is it a completely different procedure?
   The actual LASIK procedure is performed in exactly the same way in both Conventional LASIK “and Custom LASIK. The pre-op testing for Conventional LASIK and Custom LASIK differ greatly. The WaveScan used with custom LASIK brings a whole new level of knowledge and accuracy to the surgeon.
   
   
8. Will I need glasses or contacts after the Custom LASIK procedure?
   Probably not. One year after the FDA`s Custom LASIK study, all participants saw well enough to drive a car without glasses or contacts. 98% had 20/20 vision (as compared to about 75% when Conventional LASIK is performed). However, individual results may vary.
   
   
9. What does better than 20/20 mean?
   20/20 is the current standard for excellence in vision. But, with the Custom LASIK procedure, individuals have the potential to see even better than 20/20. In fact, six months after the Custom LASIK procedure more than 74% of clinical study participants saw better than 20/20.
   
   
10. How could the Custom LASIK procedure affect my night vision?
    Many patients found their night vision was improved after the Custom LASIK procedure. In fact, in the clinical study, four times as many participants were very satisfied with their night vision after the procedure as compared to their night vision before with glasses or contacts.
    
    
11. Is Custom LASIK commonly available?
    Not all laser centers provide Custom LASIK technology, however in Richmond the majority are beginning to do so. If a center does not provide it then this is a good clue that quality service will not be available there.
    
    
12. Which lasers have Custom LASIK technology
    In Richmond the Visx laser and the Ladar Vision laser have Custom LASIK capability. Not all Visx and Ladar Vision lasers have been upgraded so you should inquire to be sure.
    
    
13. Did the FDA results differ for Custom LASIK procedures performed with Visx and Ladar Vision?
    YES. The results of the FDA clinical study for one treatment of Custom LASIK are as follows:
    
    VISX: 98% achieved 20/20
    Ladar Vision: 79.7% achieved 20/20
    FDA approval for correction of a significant amount of astigmatism:
    VISX: YES
    Ladar Vision: NO
    

These are important reasons why Lipstock Laser Center has chosen to use Visx technology for LASIK surgery. See How to Choose a LASIK Surgeon and Why Lipstock Laser Center for additional reasons to have your LASIK surgery performed by Dr. Lipstock at Lipstock Laser Center.