Understanding LASIK Technology: Femtosecond Lasers, Wavefront, AI Planning

Tech supports the surgeon’s plan. Here’s what each component does in plain English.

Femtosecond laser (the flap)

Creates a thin, precise corneal flap using ultrafast pulses. Benefits include predictable thickness and smooth edges. In PRK, no flap is created.

Excimer laser (the reshape)

Removes microscopic amounts of tissue to change focus. Patterns are customized to your measurements. Modern platforms track eye movement and compensate in real time.

Guidance methods

• Wavefront‑guided: Uses your eye’s optical fingerprint to refine treatment.
• Topography‑guided: Uses corneal surface maps—helpful for certain irregularities.
• Wavefront‑optimized: Aims to preserve natural corneal shape and reduce higher‑order aberrations.

Optical zone and night vision

Larger optical/transition zones can help night comfort in some eyes, especially with larger pupils. Your surgeon balances tissue preservation with quality.

Planning software and AI

Clinics increasingly use software (and emerging AI tools) to consolidate measurements and model outcomes. These tools assist; they don’t replace surgical judgment.

What to ask

• Which guidance approach fits my eye and why?
• How do you set optical/transition zones for night vision?
• How do you ensure calibration and consistency across devices?

Bottom line: Advanced tech supports consistent, precise results. The best tool is the one matched to your eye with a surgeon who explains their plan.