Optimizing Laser Vision Correction
What is the WaveLight Allegretto Wave Eye-Q?
A LASIK surgery device, the WaveLight Allegretto Wave Eye-Q is a high-speed laser system designed to repair vision problems (also called refractive errors) including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism through customized treatment.
Good Candidates for Laser Vision Correction
For individuals looking to eliminate the need to wear glasses or contacts, LASIK eye surgery may be an option. Ideal candidates include:
- Patients with strong, healthy corneas (outer windows of the eyes) that are thick enough to undergo treatment
- Patients who are 22 or older and have healthy, non-diseased eyes
- Patients with myopia up to -12 diopters (unit of measurement for focal length)
- Patients with hyperopia of 6 diopters or less
- Patients with astigmatism of 6 diopters or less
- Additional criteria may be considered at the time of the initial exam.
How the WaveLight Allegretto Wave Eye-Q Laser Works
To begin, wavefront-guided technology identifies and measures the refractive error in one or both eyes. A customized treatment can then be developed.
During the repair process, the Allegretto Wave repeatedly pulses the cornea with a laser to create a customized corneal flap. This flap is then drawn back, and additional laser pulses are emitted to the eye to repair damaged tissue and correct vision. It takes approximately four seconds of treatment to correct one diopter. After treatment, the flap is replaced over the eye and naturally adheres almost immediately.
The Benefits of the WaveLight Allegretto Wave Eye-Q Laser
In a normal eye, the cornea is prolate (elongated) and spherical, allowing light rays to enter the eye and focus on the fovea centralis, or area of central vision. In the past, conventional lasers were used to ablate (vaporize) and reshape the cornea of patients with refractive errors. Since these lasers were not customized, residual aberrations could remain, resulting in halos and glare post operatively.
The newest WaveLight Allegretto Wave Eye-Q laser is now able to be customized for each unique cornea. The treatment minimizes post-operative corneal aberrations and thus eliminates much of the previously induced halos and glare. In addition, the customized treatments improve visual outcomes.
