New LASIK Procedure Offers Customized Treatment

Six days ago, Mike Bromme could not see anything without his glasses.

"I like to ride mountain bikes, kayaking, mountain climbing -- so glasses always got in the way there," he said.

Bromme is one of the first people in the Triangle to have Custom LASIK surgery.

With traditional LASIK, the entire eye is treated the same.

"We were basically taking an average level of prescription across that person's eye," said Dr. Eric Oberdorf, clinical director of TLC Vision Center.

Custom LASIK uses a machine called a wave analyzer. When a patient looks into the machine, light is sent through the retina and reveals irregularities usually missed. Doctors use the information to customize treatments at each point in the eye.

Oberdorf said the procedure is still the same, but the results are better.

One day after surgery, Bromme had 20/20 vision.

"I could see the clock across the room and everything is really crisp," he said.

Oberdorf said that outcome is common with Custom LASIK, but there are no guarantees.

"Just because we have that information doesn't mean that everyone's going to heal perfectly and end up with super-human vision," he said.

Bromme said he could not be happier with the results, although he still reaches for his glasses out of habit.

"I chuckle as I realize I don't have to wear glasses anymore," he said.

Studies by the Food and Drug Administration show 96 percent of patients achieve 20/20 vision with Custom LASIK. The procedure also reduces the risk of halos or glaring and the need to go back in for a touch-up.