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.
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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/
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