Now an enhanced version of LASIK, known as wavefront LASIK, is available. This improved system allows eye surgeons to customize the procedure for each eye, providing the possibility of even better vision.

Adapted from technology used in astronomy, wavefront LASIK is a procedure that uses an array of microsensors and a laser. A wave of light from a laser beam is sent through the eye to the retina. This light is reflected out of the eye, and the sensor measures the irregularities at the front of the wave of light as it emerges from the eye. This produces a precise three-dimensional map of the visual system, including the corneas imperfections, or aberrations. Thousands of people have the same eyeglass prescription, but because the map is so precise, no two people have the same wavefront measurements.

These wavefront data are translated into a mathematical formula the surgeon uses to program corrections into the ultraviolet cold laser, which vaporizes tissue to reshape the cornea. This new wavefront technology has a better chance of reducing higher-order aberrations that cause glare, haloes and blurry images.

Concerns about quality of vision and nighttime glare with previous forms of LASIK prevented many people from having their vision corrected. In Food and Drug Administration trials, the majority of patients who had custom LASIK found their night vision to be better after the procedure than it was with their glasses or contact lenses. One FDA study showed More than 70 percent of custom LASIK patients saw better than 20/20.

Wavefront LASIK may not be for everyone because it removes more corneal tissue than conventional LASIK. Patients with thin corneas, high degrees of aberration, severely dry eyes or conditions that affect the lens or vitreous fluid inside the eye may not be good candidates. However, many of these patients may still be good candidates for conventional LASIK.

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Question from : Lauren S

Is it safe to wear a non prescription colored contact lense on top of a regular prescription contact lense? I tried this and it felt fine, but only for a few moments, as I was scared for my health.

Dr. Webber:

It is NOT safe and MUST NOT be done. The oxygen will not go through that combination of lenses and result in a swollen cornea.

Oakley's Thump line of shades is the first-ever example of MP3 eyewear. They're available in seven combinations of lenses and colors. The shades have earphones and lenses that flip up and down. But they're not cheap by either MP3 player or sunglass standards. A 128MB model stores 2 hours of music and costs $395, a 256MB model stores 4 hours and costs $495. They'll be in Circuit City and Oakley O retail outlets in late November.

  Keep your salt intake low, especially late at night. Too much salt puffs up the circles under your eyes, by retaining water and depositing in those areas. In addition, try cold compresses in the morning to further resuce the swelling.

Smokers are four times more likely to go blind from age related macular degeneration.