Custom lasik is an extremely precise, individualized type of lasik eye surgery to correct visual defects that result from an imperfectly shaped cornea. First, three-dimensional measurements of how your eye processes and focuses light images are made. These measurements are then used to guide the laser during surgery. The technology used to guide custom lasik procedures is called wavefront technology.

Custom lasik offers certain advantages over conventional lasik surgery. Greatly improved precision means there is less of a chance that your specific visual defect will be under-corrected or over-corrected. Some recent studies indicate that people who undergo custom lasik may be more likely to have 20/20 vision or better after surgery. Custom lasik can be used to treat both so-called lower order refractive errors, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness, and higher-order errors. Higher-order errors include night vision disturbances, glare, halos and shadows. A downside of custom lasik is that people with thin corneas are often unable to have this procedure.

One way to find a good custom lasik surgeon in New York State is through academic and research centers such as teaching hospitals. The American Academy of Ophthalmology website also provides useful links. Keep in mind that custom lasik is more expensive than conventional lasik, in part because a fee is paid to the device manufacturer for each procedure. The average cost per eye is slightly under $2,000. However, cost may vary depending on the type of visual defect you have and the amount of surgery that may be required to correct it. Surgeons who use a newer and potentially safer technology called IntraLase may also have higher fees. IntraLase is laser that replaces the microkeratome or cutting device used in conventional lasik surgery. To learn more about custom lasik equipment approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), visit the FDA website.