Traditional LASIK (also
known as "standard LASIK" or "conventional
LASIK") is the original type of LASIK, first performed
internationally in 1989, and made available in the US
with the introduction of the excimer laser in 1995.
The original procedure approved by the FDA was actually
called PRK; LASIK, a variation of PRK which involves
creating a flap in the cornea, did not get FDA approval
as a procedure until 1998. The "traditional"
means the laser used is of the basic type first approved
by the FDA. Traditional excimer lasers are able to treat
nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, as
well as presbyopia (by creating nearsightedness in one
eye). In 2002, a more advanced type of excimer laser
was FDA-approved, called a wavefront laser. Wavefront
LASIK is an alternative to Traditional LASIK--the only
difference is the type of laser hardware and/or software
used by the surgeon to change the
shape of the cornea.
Most patients who qualify
for LASIK have the option of either traditional or wavefront
based treatment. Some, however, will only qualify for
traditional. Some qualify for both, but might actually
do better with traditional. This includes patients with
nystagmus (shaking of the eyes), very dry eyes, early
cataracts, and corneal scars, among other reasons. In
order to do wavefront-guided LASIK, we must be able
to accurately map out the optics of the eyes with specialized
devices called aberrometers. Eyes in patients with these
issues may not give "good" wavefront aberrometry
measurements.
The majority of patients
do NOT have issues like this, and will do well with
traditional or wavefront. Wavefront, if it is recommended,
tends to produce slightly better visual results, and
a lower risk of night side effects. The disadvantage
of wavefront compared to traditional LASIK is that it
costs more. No one wants "second rate" eye
surgery... the reality is though, that traditional LASIK
in the right candidate offers excellent results, and
can be considered as a value form of LASIK.
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