Custom LASIK vs. Regular LASIK: What’s the Difference?

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Posted by: Missouri Eye Institute in Blog on September 9, 2024

If you’re considering LASIK surgery to correct your vision, you might have come across the terms “Custom LASIK” and “regular LASIK.” Understanding the difference between these two options is important to making the best choice for your eyes. 

In this blog post, we’ll break down what sets Custom LASIK apart from regular LASIK and how it might benefit you.

What is regular LASIK?

Regular LASIK, also known as conventional or standard LASIK, is a common LASIK eye surgery for correcting vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. In this process, a surgeon uses a combination of a blade and a laser to correct imperfections in your cornea, the clear front part of your eye. This reshaping allows light to focus correctly on your retina, improving your vision.

Regular LASIK has been successfully used for many years and works well for many patients. Most high-volume discount LASIK centers use only this one-size fits-all approach, because they can process many patients more cheaply. However, standard LASIK isn’t right for everyone.

How Custom LASIK is different

Custom LASIK takes regular LASIK a step further by using advanced technology to correct vision based on a detailed map of your eyes. This map captures the unique characteristics of your cornea, including tiny imperfections that could affect your vision and your LASIK results. These details are then used to customize an all-laser, bladeless treatment specifically for your eyes.

The customized approach allows the surgeon to address issues that regular LASIK may not be detailed enough to correct, leading to better vision outcomes. Custom LASIK is especially beneficial for people with higher prescriptions or those who have irregularities in their corneas.

The benefits of Custom LASIK

One of the main benefits of Custom LASIK is that it can improve the quality of your vision beyond what regular LASIK offers. Patients report dramatically sharper vision and better night vision with Custom LASIK. Because the procedure is tailored to your unique eye structure, it may also reduce the risk of post-surgery complications, such as nighttime halos or glare around lights.

Custom LASIK can also treat a wider range of vision problems. For people with conditions like higher-order aberrations—tiny imperfections in the eye that can cause blurred vision—Custom LASIK might be the best option.

Which option is right for you?

Deciding between Custom LASIK and Regular LASIK depends on your specific vision needs. Regular LASIK might be acceptable if you have a straightforward prescription. However, if your vision problems are more complex or if you’re looking for the best possible results, Custom LASIK is often considered to be the better choice.

It’s essential to have a thorough consultation with a LASIK surgeon to determine the best option for you. They can assess your eyes and discuss the potential benefits of Custom LASIK based on your unique vision profile.

Talk to a Missouri LASIK expert

Choosing the right LASIK procedure is an important decision. At Missouri Eye Institute, our experienced doctors can help you understand the differences between Custom LASIK and regular LASIK and guide you toward the best choice for your vision correction. Schedule a consultation today to explore your options and take the first step toward clearer vision.

Missouri Eye Institute has helped thousands of patients attain freedom from glasses and contact lenses. Contact us at (800) 383-3831 to schedule a thorough consultation or visit MissouriEye.com to learn more about our services.