Laser Technology

Dr. Andrew Caster provides the highest quality FDA-approved lasers  for your benefit: WaveLight Allegretto, Visx S4, and Alcon LadarVision. The most accurate treatments are being obtained with the WaveLight Allegretto laser, so that is the laser that we use for most treatments. The Allegretto is the only laser that has been designed specifically for Custom treatments; unlike other lasers, all treatments with the Allegretto laser are Custom treatments.

Temperature and Humidity Control

Laser treatments are more precise when the temperature and humidity in the laser room are carefully controlled. At the Caster Eye Center, our laser room has precise temperature and humidity control. Our laser room is also dust-free. By taking these extra steps, we are able to achieve the most accurate vision for our patients.

Outcome Analysis

Outcome Analysis is the systematic collection and mathematical analysis of results in a way that allows for adjustment in laser formulas.

In 1994, Dr. Caster was honored with the UCLA Department of Ophthalmology Alumni Research Award for his development and use of Outcome Analysis. One of the most important (but most difficult) tools to improve the accuracy of the results is through Outcome Analysis.

Each laser is supplied with software formulas that tell the laser how many pulses to use for any given level of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These formulas, however, represent an average number of pulses needed for the typical surgeon using this laser, using a typical technique, in a room with typical temperature and humidity. The problem is: no two surgeons/techniques/rooms are identical, so reliance on the laser software produces average (but not exceptional) results. Many surgeons alter the laser formulas, but not in a reliable, scientific way.

Pupil Size Assessment

It is essential to have an accurate way of measuring the pupil size in the dark. If you shine a light onto the eye to measure the pupil size, then the pupil gets smaller in response to the light, and you are not measuring the true maximum size of the pupil.

The Procyon 2000SA Pupillometer is an accurate device to measure pupil size in the dark. It makes ten different pupil size measurements at each of three different light levels. This has taken pupil size determination to a much higher level and Dr. Andrew Caster was first in California to own and use this technology.

Flap Creation

Creation of the Lasik flap is the part of the procedure that seems to concern most patients. Dr. Andrew Caster uses two methods to create the Lasik flap: the IntraLase laser and the Zyoptix microkeratome. Creation of the flap is not painful and takes about 20 seconds. Most people say that they had a feeling of pressure (not pain) during the flap creation. Also, you are not able to see the flap being made. After the procedure is complete, the flap is simply laid back into position, where it sticks down in place by itself without stitches or glue.

"Lasik without a flap" is known by several names, including Lasik, PRK, and Advanced Surface Treatment. Lasik without a flap is preferable for patients with relatively thin corneas, large pupils and also patients having very significant dryness as it does not cause any increase in the symptoms of dryness.

Dr. Andrew Caster has a commitment to using the most advanced and up-to-date equipment available, and will to remain at the forefront of technology for laser vision correction.

Allegretto Laser - Overview

Vision-Accuracy, Total Control

Taking human sight beyond 20/20 is possible. The ALLEGRETTO WAVE®  customizes every treatment to the patient's individual prescription and cornea while aiming to improve what nature originally designed. The Wavefront Optimized™ treatment considers the unique curvature and biomechanics of the eye, preserving quality of vision and addressing the spherical distortions that can induce glare and night vision reduction.

Wavefront Optimized™ Technology

One of the most innovative features of the ALLEGRETTO WAVE®  is the way it uses Wavefront Optimized™ technology to automatically compensate for the curvature of the cornea. In earlier laser correction systems, the "optical zone," or area of correction, was centered on the front of the cornea; the result was a flattened circular area that ended with an abrupt edge, causing unwanted side effects like poor night vision, glare, and halos.

For More On Allegretto Laser Click here