Medical advancement has improved the precision and safety of traditional Lasik. It has also made room for other forms of Lasik. Patients who find they do not meet the ideal standards as a candidate for Lasik have other options. Lasik eye surgery can now accommodate a variety of needs for vision correction. Learn about how to improve your night vision with Lasik.

Traditional Lasik

Lasik is the preferred procedure for many Americans with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. An outpatient procedure that usually takes about 15 minutes, Lasik is performed with a microkeratome blade. The laser eye surgeon creates a flap in the outermost corneal layer. An excimer laser reshapes the cornea, and the flap is then replaced as a natural bandage.

Low Order Aberrations Vs. High Order Aberrations

Lasik is a simple procedure, but many patients have vision correction needs that traditional Lasik is not designed to address. Traditional Lasik is most beneficial to patients with low-order aberrations. Refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism are low-order aberrations that can be corrected with traditional Lasik.

Improve Night Vision With Custom Lasik Surgery

Custom Lasik addresses not only low-order aberrations, but also more complex, difficult-to-detect aberrations. Patients with large pupils, low contrast sensitivity and thin corneas may be able to improve night vision through Custom Lasik. Low-contrast sensitivity is a high order aberration which makes it difficult to see an object against a low-contrast background. People with large pupils are not only prone to poor night vision, but traditional Lasik can also worsen the aberration.

Custom Lasik, Custom Results

Custom Lasik uses wavefront technology to pinpoint refractive errors that are undetectable through traditional Lasik. Wavefront technology creates three-dimensional chart of the cornea, measuring how your eye focuses light. Custom Lasik corrects visual acuity, as well as, visual quality. Lasers guided through wavefront technology are more precise and individualized for each patient.

Custom Lasik may also be the best option for patients with previous laser eye surgery. Custom Lasik can be the answer for correcting past laser eye surgery, with unsuccessful results. Patients who experience complications from traditional Lasik, such as light sensitivity, night glare and halos, may find relief through Custom Lasik.

Lasik Cost

The cost of Lasik surgery can range anywhere from $499 to $2,500. Cost is determined based on the type of Lasik surgery and the condition of your eyes. When making a decision about which type of laser eye surgery will work best with your needs and budget, keep in mind any conditions that may increase the risk of postoperative complications associated with traditional Lasik. Custom Lasik is the most expensive for of Lasik surgery, but may also prevent the need for additional surgeries. If you're looking specifically to improve night vision, Custom Lasik may be the best route to take.

Because Lasik is considered an elective procedure, most insurance companies will not cover the cost. However, there are many financing options available. Your Lasik surgeon may provide a payment plan. He or she may also work with a few financial institutions. In this case, you may be able to take care of the application process directly at the doctor's office.