Yes, Wavelight Plus InnovEyes is capable of correcting astigmatism. It effectively addresses this condition along with other refractive issues.
Astigmatism, a common vision problem caused by irregularities in the curvature of the eye, affects millions of people worldwide. Traditionally corrected by glasses or contact lenses, advancements in laser technologies now offer alternatives for long-term results. Among these advancements, the Wavelight Plus InnovEyes system has emerged as a significant innovation. But does it stand up to its promise of correcting astigmatism effectively? Let’s find out.
The Technology Behind Wavelight Plus InnovEyes
The Wavelight Plus InnovEyes system is built on cutting-edge laser vision correction technology, incorporating advanced ray-tracing customisation and artificial intelligence (AI) to address refractive errors such as myopia and astigmatism. What sets this technology apart is its emphasis on patient-specific customisation, ensuring an accurate and tailored treatment for every individual.
Ray-Tracing Technology for Precision
Ray-tracing is the core technique used in the Wavelight Plus system. Unlike traditional laser eye surgery methods that rely on prescriptions derived from glasses, ray tracing offers a personalised approach. By utilising a 3D model of the patient’s eye, the system analyses how light interacts with various elements of the eye—from the cornea to the retina. This allows for precise calculations to determine the best possible treatment plan for correcting astigmatism.
With the ability to trace 2,000 rays of light along different trajectories, from the corneal surface to the retina and back again, the system’s technology takes into account both low-order aberrations, such as myopia and astigmatism, and higher-order aberrations (HOAs), previously more challenging to address. This level of personalisation allows for a highly tailored corrective treatment not previously achievable using older laser techniques.
The Role of AI and the Eyevatar Model
One of the standout features of Wavelight Plus InnovEyes is its AI-powered customisation. It creates a digital, multidimensional “Eyevatar”—a 3D model of the eye that maps out every component, from the front and back surfaces of the cornea to the lens’s position and the eye’s length. This digital model allows surgeons to simulate the effects of corneal reshaping virtually, ensuring the treatment is optimally planned before any physical procedure occurs.
The Eyevatar not only provides unparalleled precision but also introduces a personalised approach to vision correction. The system creates a custom ablation profile by analysing not just the eye’s optical properties but also geometrical properties, accurate down to 1/100,000 of a millimetre.
Streamlined Diagnostics with the Sitemap Device
The Sitemap diagnostic device is another integral component of the Wavelight Plus system. By combining three powerful diagnostic tools—a Scheimpflug-based corneal tomographer, a Hartman-Schack wavefront aberrometer, and an interferometry-based biometer—it generates a highly detailed model of the eye. This data is crucial for creating personalised treatment plans for astigmatism correction, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Innovations in Laser Delivery for Astigmatism Correction
Customised Ablation Profiles
One of the unique features of Wavelight Plus InnovEyes is its ability to create customised ablation profiles. The EX500 excimer laser, which executes these treatments, uses ray-tracing data to simultaneously treat both low-order issues like astigmatism and high-order aberrations. Unlike traditional platforms that treat refractive errors sequentially, Wavelight Plus handles them simultaneously, ensuring a smoother and more consistent correction process.
Additionally, changes made to the laser’s spot profile and transition zones improve the overall delivery of laser energy. Previous transition zones were generally smaller, but Wavelight Plus employs a standardised 2.5mm transition zone by default, enabling a more seamless correction.
Enhanced Biomechanical Considerations
The Wavelight Plus software also factors in changes typically seen post-surgery, such as epithelial remodelling and biomechanical shifts. By pre-emptively adjusting its calculations through automatic nomogram adjustments, this system aims to provide more accurate and stable outcomes for patients, even when addressing complex issues like astigmatism.
It’s worth noting that these advancements significantly improve the visual outcomes for many patients. Reports of achieving sharp vision comparable to high-definition (HD) clarity make this technology highly promising.
Does It Correct Astigmatism?
The primary question remains—can Wavelight Plus InnovEyes correct astigmatism? The answer is yes, and it does so with impressive precision. The use of ray tracing ensures that the ablation profile is specifically customised for each patient’s eye, addressing both the spherical and cylindrical components of astigmatism.
Studies and patient feedback indicate that this technology has a high success rate in correcting astigmatism. Many patients report significant visual improvement post-treatment, often achieving outcomes better than the traditional 20/20 benchmark. The integration of AI and advanced diagnostic tools ensures that even subtle irregularities are corrected, offering enhanced clarity and reduced visual distortions.
Additionally, for those with myopic astigmatism, the Wavelight Plus excels by simultaneously addressing myopia and astigmatism during the treatment process, streamlining what previously may have required separate procedures or adjustments.
A Step Forward, But With a Step Back
While Wavelight Plus InnovEyes is undoubtedly an advanced technology, it is essential to acknowledge its limitations. One notable drawback is that it is a flap-based procedure. LASIK, the surgery typically performed with this system, involves creating a flap in the cornea to access the underlying tissue. Despite the technology’s precision, flap-based methods have inherent risks, such as flap-related complications and healing time.
For some patients, flap-free methods like SMILE Pro (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) may be more suitable, as these involve fewer invasive steps. Consequently, while Wavelight Plus InnovEyes offers exceptional precision and personalisation, patients should consult with their surgeons to weigh the benefits against their specific needs and potential alternatives.
Is It Right for You?
Wavelight Plus InnovEyes represents a generational leap in laser vision correction technology, particularly for astigmatism. It combines advanced diagnostics, AI-driven customisation, and innovative laser delivery to offer highly personalised treatments. However, its flap-based nature and potential limitations mean it might not be suitable for every patient.
If you have astigmatism and are exploring your options for correction, Wavelight Plus InnovEyes is a highly advanced system worth considering. However, a thorough consultation with an eye care professional is essential to determine if it aligns with your individual needs and expectations. For those seeking precise, HD-like vision correction, this system may be the innovative approach you’ve been looking for.
