Custom vs. Standard LASIK in Portland, Oregon

Understanding the differences between custom wavefront-guided LASIK and standard LASIK helps you make an informed decision about which vision correction approach matches your needs. This guide explains the technology, benefits, candidacy requirements, and what Portland-area patients should consider when choosing between these options.

What is the Main Difference Between Custom and Standard LASIK?

Custom LASIK uses wavefront technology to create a detailed 3D map of your eye, allowing the laser to correct both standard refractive errors and subtle higher-order aberrations unique to your vision. Standard LASIK corrects only your glasses prescription—nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism—using the same measurements as your eyeglasses.

Wavefront mapping enables precision up to 25 times more accurate than traditional measurements according to FDA clinical trial data for wavefront-guided systems.

At Tersigni Vision in Portland, Dr. Steven Tersigni evaluates each patient’s unique optical profile using advanced wavefront diagnostics. This individualized approach helps determine whether custom LASIK, standard LASIK, or another vision correction option is the right match for your eyes and lifestyle.

What Are Higher-Order Aberrations and Why Do They Matter for LASIK?

Higher-order aberrations are subtle optical imperfections in your eye that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. They cause visual symptoms like halos around lights, glare while driving at night, reduced contrast sensitivity, and starbursts. Unlike lower-order aberrations (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), higher-order aberrations are unique to each individual eye—similar to a fingerprint.

During a comprehensive evaluation at Tersigni Vision, advanced diagnostic imaging identifies these subtle aberrations, helping determine if wavefront-guided treatment would meaningfully improve your visual outcome.

Does Custom LASIK Reduce Night Vision Problems Like Halos and Glare?

Yes, custom LASIK can significantly reduce night vision problems including halos, glare, and starbursts. These symptoms are often caused by higher-order aberrations that standard LASIK cannot address. By mapping and treating your eye’s unique imperfections, custom LASIK aims to minimize the optical distortions that contribute to these nighttime visual disturbances. Studies published in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery show patients undergoing custom LASIK report 30-40% fewer night vision complaints than those receiving standard treatment.

Portland residents who drive frequently on I-5 or through the West Hills at night often ask about this. Dr. Tersigni discusses your specific symptoms during consultation and explains whether custom LASIK technology would address your particular night vision concerns.

Is Custom LASIK Worth the Extra Cost?

Custom LASIK typically costs $300-$600 more per eye than standard LASIK, reflecting the additional diagnostic technology and personalized treatment planning involved. Whether the added cost is worthwhile depends on your individual vision profile. Patients with larger pupils, significant astigmatism, pre-existing night vision concerns, or those seeking the sharpest possible outcome often benefit most from the additional precision custom LASIK provides.

At Tersigni Vision, we provide transparent pricing and help patients understand what level of technology their eyes actually need. Not everyone requires custom LASIK—our goal is matching the right procedure to your specific situation, not upselling technology you may not benefit from.

Who is a Good Candidate for Custom LASIK Versus Standard LASIK in Portland?

Custom LASIK is often recommended for patients with larger pupil sizes, higher degrees of nearsightedness or astigmatism, pre-existing night vision issues (halos, glare), or those wanting the highest potential visual outcome. Standard LASIK may be appropriate for patients with mild to moderate prescriptions, average pupil sizes, and satisfactory current night vision. Both require stable vision for at least one year, healthy corneas, and age 18 or older.

Dr. Tersigni personally evaluates every patient’s candidacy at Tersigni Vision. Oregon’s only practice offering the complete portfolio of modern LASIK alternatives, we may recommend a different procedure entirely if your eyes are better suited to EVO ICL, PRK, or refractive lens exchange.

Come see what you’re missing.

Schedule Now >

What Technology Should I Look for When Choosing a LASIK Surgeon in Portland?

When evaluating LASIK surgeons in Portland, look for practices using wavefront aberrometry for custom mapping, femtosecond lasers for bladeless flap creation, and advanced excimer lasers with high-speed eye tracking. Ask whether the surgeon offers multiple vision correction options beyond LASIK—a comprehensive practice can recommend alternatives if LASIK isn’t ideal for your eyes. Fellowship training in refractive surgery and participation in FDA clinical trials indicate advanced expertise.

Dr. Steven Tersigni is fellowship-trained in refractive surgery and has participated in 10 FDA clinical trials for vision correction technologies. Tersigni Vision offers LASIK, PRK, EVO ICL, SMILE, and refractive lens exchange—ensuring patients receive the procedure matched to their specific needs, not just the one the practice specializes in.

Does Tersigni Vision Offer Custom LASIK in Portland?

Yes, Tersigni Vision offers custom LASIK at their Lake Oswego location, serving patients throughout the Portland metropolitan area including Beaverton, Tigard, West Linn, and Vancouver, WA. The practice uses advanced diagnostic technology to determine whether custom LASIK, standard LASIK, or an alternative procedure is the optimal choice for each patient’s unique visual needs.

Schedule a complimentary consultation to learn whether custom LASIK is right for your eyes. Dr. Tersigni personally meets with every patient to review diagnostic results and explain all available options. Tersigni Vision is located at 15150 Bangy Road in Lake Oswego—convenient to downtown Portland via I-5.

Key Considerations for Portland LASIK Patients

When choosing between custom and standard LASIK in the Portland area, consider these important factors:

• Your current night vision quality, especially if you drive frequently in low-light conditions
• The severity of your refractive error and presence of astigmatism
• Your pupil size, which affects how much correction area your eyes need
• Whether you have pre-existing higher-order aberrations that glasses cannot correct
• Your visual goals and whether you need the highest possible precision

The best way to determine which LASIK option suits your needs is through a comprehensive evaluation with an experienced refractive surgeon who can assess your individual eye anatomy and visual requirements.

Take the Next Step

Schedule a complimentary consultation at Tersigni Vision to learn whether custom LASIK is right for your eyes. Dr. Tersigni will review your diagnostic results and discuss all available options.

Take our 60-second vision self-test to see which vision correction options might match your needs.

 

source https://www.tersignivision.com/lasik/custom-vs-standard-lasik-in-portland-oregon/

Are any vision correction procedures reversible?

When considering vision correction surgery, many patients wonder whether the procedure they choose can be reversed. It’s a valid concern—especially for those who want long-term results but also value flexibility. At Tersigni Vision in Portland, we believe that informed patients make confident decisions. Our goal is to provide the expert guidance and clear information needed to help you understand all your options. While most procedures are designed to be permanent, one stands out for its reversibility—and it’s an option we proudly offer.

EVO ICL: The Only Fully Reversible Vision Correction Procedure

The EVO ICL procedure is the only vision correction surgery currently available that is fully reversible. At Tersigni Vision, we offer EVO ICL for patients who want life-changing vision without permanently altering the structure of the eye. Instead of reshaping the cornea with a laser, EVO ICL involves placing a thin, biocompatible lens inside the eye—behind the iris and in front of your natural lens. This lens can remain in place indefinitely, but it can also be removed or replaced in the future if needed.

This reversibility makes EVO ICL a powerful solution for many patients, especially those with high degrees of near-sightedness, astigmatism, or thinner corneas that may not be suitable for LASIK or PRK. It’s also a good option for people with dry eye syndrome, since it avoids the corneal surface disruption associated with other procedures. EVO ICL provides excellent visual acuity without the need for a corrective lens like glasses or contact lenses—and it offers peace of mind with the option to reverse or update the lens if your vision needs change over time.

Is LASIK Reversible?

LASIK is not reversible because it involves permanently reshaping the cornea to correct refractive errors. During the procedure, Dr. Tersigni uses a femtosecond laser to create a thin flap in the cornea, then removes microscopic tissue with an excimer laser to change the eye’s focusing power. Once the tissue is removed, it cannot be replaced.

However, enhancements may be possible if vision changes after the initial result, particularly for patients with a stable eyeglass prescription and healthy corneal topography. Dr. Tersigni evaluates every LASIK candidate carefully to ensure a safe, long-lasting result. Most LASIK patients at our Portland practice achieve excellent vision without glasses, often reaching or surpassing 20/20 visual acuity.

Is Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) Reversible?

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) is not reversible because it involves removing the eye’s natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This is similar to cataract surgery, but performed electively to correct vision problems like presbyopia or extreme farsightedness in patients who may not be candidates for corneal-based procedures.

While the natural lens cannot be restored, the implanted IOL can sometimes be exchanged if necessary—though this is uncommon when proper planning and measurements are done in advance. Additionally, laser treatments can also sometimes be performed as an enhancement to fine tune the vision if needed after RLE. At Tersigni Vision, we perform detailed diagnostics before RLE, including corneal topography and advanced optical scans, to choose the best IOL for your eyes and your lifestyle. Whether addressing astigmatism, improving near vision, or reducing dependence on glasses, RLE offers a permanent solution with proven outcomes.

Come see what you’re missing.

Schedule Now >

Is PRK Reversible?

PRK is not reversible because it permanently removes tissue from the corneal surface to correct vision. Unlike LASIK, PRK doesn’t involve creating a flap—instead, the outer layer of the cornea is removed before using a laser to reshape the underlying tissue.

This procedure is often recommended at Tersigni Vision for patients with thinner corneas, previous eye surgeries, or other anatomical considerations that make them less ideal candidates for LASIK. While the change is permanent, the results are typically very stable, and many patients are highly satisfied with the outcome. PRK is a trusted solution that’s been used for decades and remains an important part of our vision correction offerings.

Is SMILE Eye Surgery Reversible?

SMILE is not reversible because it involves removing a disc of tissue from within the cornea using a femtosecond laser. The procedure creates a small incision—no flap—through which the lenticule is extracted, permanently reshaping the cornea to correct near-sightedness and, in some cases, astigmatism.

This minimally invasive approach reduces disruption to the corneal surface and may lower the risk of dry eye in certain patients. At Tersigni Vision, we offer SMILE as an option for individuals who want flapless laser vision correction. Although the changes to the eye’s structure are permanent, SMILE delivers strong visual outcomes and a fast recovery with fewer post-operative restrictions.

What Does Reversibility Really Mean for Patients?

Reversibility in vision correction doesn’t mean going back to square one with perfect clarity—it means having the ability to remove or change the correction that was made. Of all the vision correction procedures, only EVO ICL offers that level of flexibility. The others—LASIK, PRK, RLE, and SMILE—involve permanent anatomical changes to the eye, even though they are highly effective and safe when performed by an experienced refractive surgeon expert.

The question of reversibility often comes from patients who are uncertain about making a permanent change to their vision. At Tersigni Vision, we help each patient understand the long-term impact of surgery, the expected result, and how the procedure fits into their everyday life. For many, once they see the clarity and freedom these procedures provide, the idea of going back to glasses or contact lenses isn’t even on the table.

How Do I Know Which Procedure Is Right for Me?

Determining which vision correction procedure is best for you requires a detailed evaluation of your eyes and your lifestyle. During your doctor’s visit at Tersigni Vision, we take time to understand your visual goals, review your eyeglass prescription, and assess your corneal thickness, tear production, pupil size, and more.

We use the latest diagnostics in ophthalmology to ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure we recommend. Whether you’re interested in a laser-based treatment like LASIK or PRK, or a lens-based solution like EVO ICL or RLE, we’ll walk you through every step of the process. Our team’s goal is to help you achieve optimal vision—safely, effectively, and with results that enhance your quality of life.

Ready for a Clearer Future? Let’s Talk Options

Vision correction is a personal decision, and understanding the differences between reversible and permanent procedures can help you make a confident choice. Whether you’re drawn to the flexibility of EVO ICL, the precision of LASIK, or the long-term benefits of RLE, Tersigni Vision is here to help you find the right path forward.

Schedule your consultation today and meet with Dr. Tersigni, a trusted surgeon, who will guide you through every option available—because clear vision should never come with unanswered questions.

source https://www.tersignivision.com/evo-icl/are-any-vision-correction-procedures-reversible/