Wavefront-guided ablation: evidence for efficacy compared to traditional ablation.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an evidence-based overview of wavefront-guided refractive surgery outcomes, benefits, and limitations.


METHODS
Literature review.


METHODS
Review of FDA study reports and indexed, peer-reviewed literature.


RESULTS
More than 400 reports investigating wavefront applications in refractive surgery exist, but studies comparing the outcomes of wavefront-guided treatment with conventional treatment are few in number. Available studies do not overwhelmingly demonstrate superior visual results attributable to a wavefront-guided approach.


CONCLUSIONS
While wavefront-guided refractive surgery provides excellent results, evidence is limited that it outperforms conventional laser in situ keratomileusis that incorporates broad ablation zones, smoothing to the periphery, eye-trackers, and other technological refinements. However, it is evident that wavefront-customized ablation holds a promising future and merits ongoing investigation.
Netto
Marcelo V
MV
The Cole Eye Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA, and Department of Ophthalmology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Dupps
William
W
Wilson
Steven E
SE
D001251:Astigmatism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000502:physiology; D003315:Cornea / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000379:methods*; D009216:Myopia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology