Frequently Asked Questions

VISX CustomVue Laser Vision Procedure

What is VISX CustomVue (individualized laser vision) correction?
Who is a candidate for VISX CustomVue procedure?
What is WaveScan technology?
Why is WaveScan technology so important to the CustomVue procedure?
Can you briefly explain what a patient will experience during the course of this procedure?

What is VISX CustomVue (individualized laser vision) correction?
VISX CustomVue 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.

Who is a candidate for VISX CustomVue procedure?
If you are 21 years of age or older and wear glasses or contacts to correct nearsightedness and/or astigmatism you may benefit from CustomVue. If you meet the criteria, you should see your eye doctor for more information.

What is WaveScan technology?
WaveScan technology was originally developed for use in high-powered telescopes to reduce distortions when viewing distant objects in space. 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. Then WaveScan technology produces a detailed map of the eye - much like a fingerprint, no two are alike. Physicians use this information to treat individuals with the CustomVue procedure.

Why is WaveScan technology so important to the CustomVue procedure?
Until now, physicians were forced to practice one-size-fits-all vision. An off-the-shelf lens corrects your vision fairly well, but 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.

back to top

Can you briefly explain what a patient will experience during the course of this procedure?
You will initially meet with the physician for an evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for the CustomVue procedure. A WaveScan measurement will be taken to map the unique characteristics of your vision. The physician will assess several criteria including level of correction and overall eye health and discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure with you. Once it is confirmed that you are a good candidate, you can be scheduled for CustomVue. The physician will provide you with details on how to prepare for the day of the procedure.

If the physician feels it is beneficial, he or she may choose to provide you with a PreVue Lens during the consultation. The PreVue Lens allows you to "preview" an approximation your potential vision before the CustomVue procedure; however it is not meant to be predictive of your actual result. The physician will place a plastic lens under the laser. Using the information from the WaveScan, your unique correction will be placed on the lens. The lens is then fitted in a trial frame for viewing.

On procedure day, you will be seated in a reclined position. Anesthetic drops will be placed in your eyes and a flap will be created in the cornea. Your treatment information is transferred from the WaveScan to the VISX laser in order to drive the CustomVue procedure. The actual laser eye surgery procedure typically takes several seconds. Most individuals feel no pain during the procedure.

After CustomVue, you will notice results immediately, and vision will continue to improve over the next few days. Typically, you will be scheduled for a follow-up visit the next day, again in about a week, and again around a month after the initial procedure.

back to top

FAQ Main | Intralase FAQ | Cataract Surgery FAQ | Astigmatism FAQ | Spherical Abberation FAQ | Other FAQ's

Experience your full range of vision - Now!