What are low-order and higher-order aberrations?
Custom LASIK San Diego
Vision problems can interfere with your daily life. However, not all problems with vision are the same. There are two main types of issues with the eye that can interfere with vision. These are technically known as low-order and higher-order aberrations.
The two categories are very different from each other. Fortunately, with advances in technology, LASIK can now address both types. However, corrective lenses (glasses and contacts) generally only address one of them.
Low-order aberrations can be addressed with corrective lenses or laser eye surgery
The simplest type of vision problems are caused by structural problems with the eye that are known as low-order aberrations. These are problems with the overall shape of the eyeball, which cause light to be focused in the wrong spot. Low-order aberrations include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism.
Low-order aberrations can be corrected using glasses or contacts, or through laser eye surgery (LASIK or PRK). These types of issues are relatively simple to address, and even with older LASIK technology, we could already correct for low-order aberrations effectively.
Higher-order aberrations usually can’t be addressed with corrective lenses
A more complex type of vision problems are caused by structural eye problems known as higher-order aberrations. These are more subtle changes in the shape of the cornea. This can lead to issues like glare, seeing halos or starbursts around lights (especially at night), and poor night vision.
Higher-order aberrations are much more difficult to address with corrective lenses, because the changes in the shape of the eye are much more subtle. Although advancements in hard contact lenses have made it possible to address higher-order aberrations, it’s technically much more difficult to work with these than with low-order aberrations.
In the past, LASIK also couldn’t address higher-order aberrations. In fact, older LASIK technology had the potential to cause higher-order aberrations, even as it addressed the low-order ones. However, advances in technology have allowed us to solve this problem. With wavefront-guided LASIK, we can perform a custom LASIK procedure that addresses even very small irregularities in the shape of your cornea. Wavefront-guided LASIK is much better at addressing higher-order aberrations, producing better visual outcomes after the surgery. In addition, it’s less likely to cause these issues than the older technology was.
Custom LASIK San Diego
In order to get the best possible outcomes from laser eye surgery, it’s essential to choose a surgeon who uses the latest technology. With custom wavefront-guided LASIK, not only can we more effectively address issues with your vision, but we also reduce the chances that the procedure itself will cause problems.
Here at North County Laser Eye Associates, we use wavefront-guided LASIK to ensure that every patient ends up with the best possible vision. We feel strongly that everyone deserves to have their eyes treated with the latest technology, by an expert eye surgeon who really cares about them. If you’re considering a laser eye procedure or want to learn more about your options, please contact our front desk staff to schedule your appointment.
