Wavelight InnovEyes LASIK is one of the most advanced procedures available today, offering precision and efficiency for those looking to eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. But is it the right choice for everyone?
Sure, the technology sounds advanced, and it’s known for its precision, but is Wavelight InnovEyes LASIK truly the best option for you?
In this blog, we will discuss Wavelight InnovEyes LASIK’s limitations, reliability, and whether it’s the right fit for you or if an alternative might better suit your needs.
Contents
What is Wavelight InnovEyes LASIK Technology?
Wavelight InnovEyes LASIK is one of the latest innovations in laser eye surgery, designed to correct common refractive vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This advanced technology uses a highly precise excimer laser to reshape the cornea, improving the way light enters the eye and focuses on the retina.
One of the key features of Wavelight InnovEyes is its advanced wavefront technology, which customizes the laser treatment based on the unique characteristics of each patient’s eye. It allows for better precision and smoother results, aiming to provide clearer vision and reduce visual distortions like halos or glare.
The procedure is flap-based, meaning a thin flap of the cornea is created and lifted to allow the laser to reshape the underlying tissue. This approach is effective for most patients, but it comes with its own set of considerations, such as flap-related complications, which we will discuss in more detail.
What Are the Limitations of Wavelight InnovEyes LASIK?
Not Suitable for Those with Thin Corneas
One of the critical factors in determining whether you’re a good candidate for Wavelight InnovEyes LASIK is your corneal thickness.
Wavelight InnovEyes requires a minimum corneal thickness of 500 microns to perform the procedure safely.
- If your cornea is thinner than this, the procedure may not be suitable for you. This is because LASIK involves removing a small amount of corneal tissue to reshape the eye and correct refractive errors.
- If the cornea is too thin, there may not be enough tissue left after the procedure to maintain the strength and integrity of the cornea, potentially leading to complications such as corneal weakening or ectasia (a condition where the cornea becomes progressively thinner and bulges outwards).
High Cost (as compared to other procedures)
This advanced procedure offers personalized treatment but comes at a higher price point compared to other LASIK technologies.
Cost Comparison:
| Procedure | Cost per Eye (INR) |
|---|---|
| Standard LASIK | ₹12,000 |
| Contoura Vision | ₹25,000 |
| SmartSurf LASIK | ₹45,000 |
| Wavelight InnovEyes Surgery | ₹60,000 |
The Wavelight InnovEyes procedure starts at ₹60,000 per eye, making it a premium option in the LASIK surgeries. This cost is approximately 27.66% higher than the next available option, SmartSurf LASIK, which is priced at ₹45,000 per eye.
Is the Higher Cost Justifiable?
The increased cost of Wavelight InnovEyes is attributed to its advanced features, including personalized treatment plans and enhanced precision. However, it’s essential to compare these benefits against your budget and consider whether alternative procedures offer a better balance between cost and desired results.
It is a Flap-Based Technique
While LASIK is highly effective in reshaping the cornea and correcting vision, the creation of a flap in the cornea can introduce certain risks and complications. Here’s what you need to know about flap-related complications:
1. Flap Dislocation
During Wavelight InnovEyes LASIK, a thin flap is created on the surface of the cornea using a microkeratome or laser. If the flap becomes dislocated or moves out of place during the healing process, it can cause vision problems.
2. Epithelial Ingrowth
Epithelial ingrowth occurs when the epithelial cells (the cells that line the surface of the cornea) grow beneath the flap. This can lead to discomfort, irritation, and in some cases, vision disturbances.
3. Flap Folds
Flap folds happen when the flap doesn’t settle perfectly back into its original position after being created. This can lead to distorted vision, particularly when the flap wrinkles or becomes uneven.
4. Keratitis (Corneal Inflammation)
In some cases, flap-related complications can lead to keratitis, or inflammation of the cornea.
5. Flap Removal and Re-creation
If significant issues arise due to flap complications, it may be necessary to remove the flap and attempt the procedure again.
Due to these potential risks, many patients and doctors are now opting for flapless procedures like Trans-PRK or CustomEyes. These procedures don’t require the creation of a flap, eliminating the risks associated with flap-related complications.
Provides Only 2D Eye Tracking
Wavelight InnovEyes LASIK uses a 2D tracking system, which tracks the horizontal and vertical movements of the eye during the procedure.
While this system is effective for many patients, it has some limitations compared to more advanced 7D tracking systems used by other technologies like CustomEyes.
Why is 7D Tracking Better?
Eye Rotation: One of the biggest advantages of 7D tracking is its ability to account for eye rotation during blinking or involuntary movements. This is especially important for patients with cylindrical numbers (astigmatism), as even slight rotations can cause inaccuracies in the treatment.
Improved Precision: With the added dimensions of tracking, 7D systems ensure that every eye movement, no matter how small, is corrected.
Personalization: 7D tracking also allows for more personalized treatment plans, adjusting the laser in real-time to the unique characteristics of each patient’s eye.
So, while InnovEyes’ 2D tracking is effective for many patients, it doesn’t fully account for the complexities of dynamic eye movements. This makes it less ideal for patients with high astigmatism or irregular eye movements. In such cases, 7D tracking systems like those used in CustomEyes may provide more reliable and precise results.
No Dynamic Cyclotorsion Adjustment in InnovEyes
One of the significant limitations of Wavelight InnovEyes LASIK is the absence of dynamic cyclotorsion adjustment.
What is Cyclotorsion?
Cyclotorsion refers to the slight rotational movement of the eye that occurs during activities like blinking or shifting focus. Every time we blink or move our eyes, the eye rotates slightly, which can cause changes in the axis of your vision correction, especially for patients with astigmatism (cylindrical numbers). When this rotation is not accounted for, the treatment can become misaligned, leading to less accurate vision correction.
Since Wavelight InnovEyes LASIK does not have dynamic cyclotorsion adjustment, it relies solely on 2D tracking, which tracks only horizontal and vertical eye movements. This means it cannot adjust for any slight rotations of the eye that may occur during surgery, making it less ideal for patients with high astigmatism or those prone to involuntary eye movements.
Potential Risks of Automatic Readings in InnovEyes
One of the unique features of Wavelight InnovEyes LASIK is its fully automatic system. While this may seem like a convenience, it comes with certain risks, particularly when the patient is not fully calm or composed during the procedure.
The main issue arises when the patient is anxious, nervous, or unable to stay still during the evaluation. Since the system is fully automatic, any slight movement or over-accommodation (when the eye excessively focuses during the test) can lead to inaccurate readings.
If the patient is not calm or if the eyes are not in their natural state, the system might capture incorrect data, affecting the precision of the laser treatment.
So, Is There a Better Alternative to Wavelight InnovEyes?
If you’re looking for a more advanced and precise alternative to Wavelight InnovEyes, CustomEyes ForeSight AI stands out. Unlike InnovEyes, CustomEyes offers flapless surgery, 7D tracking for better accuracy, and dynamic cyclotorsion adjustment to account for eye rotation—especially important for patients with astigmatism. With its personalized treatment plan and Foresight Technology predicting your post-surgery vision, CustomEyes provides a safer and more reliable solution, making it the preferred choice over InnovEyes.
Conclusion
Ultimately, if you’re looking for the most advanced, precise, and flapless LASIK procedure, CustomEyes ForeSight AI is the superior choice over Wavelight InnovEyes.
And if you want to get a glasses-free life and need a clear vision, then we can you achieve that.
Experience the freedom of clear vision with LASIK Surgery at EyeMantra. Book your free appointment now at +91 9711116605!
