Refractive Technology

Henry Ford ophthalmologists use the most advanced refractive technology to correct and improve vision.

Using the latest refractive lasers and image-guided technology, Henry Ford surgeons can help you to reduce your dependency on glasses or contact lenses and improve your vision.

How our refractive lasers work

We use excimer refractive lasers that do not burn or cut tissue. Instead, these “cold” lasers gently break molecular bonds between cells so that controlled amounts of tissue vaporize one microscopic layer at a time.

Refractive technology suite for LASIK and PRK

We use a coordinated system throughout both of the laser vision correction procedures we offer, LASIK and PRK. Our system features:

• Oculus Pentacam® eye scanner: The most advanced refractive technology for screening laser vision correction candidates, the Pentacam eye scanner uses a rotating camera to capture precise measurements of both the front and back of the cornea, including its thickness – a key factor when determining eligibility for LASIK or PRK.
• WaveScan® WaveFront™ System: If you are having a custom LASIK procedure, this advanced, image-guided refractive technology takes custom, 3-D measurements to map the unique anatomy and imperfections of each eye. This information is then transferred to the laser used in your LASIK or PRK surgery. If you are have having a standard LASIK procedure, the surgeon manually programs the laser.
• IntraLase™ FS Laser System: The first step during LASIK is to create a corneal flap, which is done either through advanced microkeratome (blade) or femtosecond laser (bladeless) technology, both of which offer a high level of precision. Your Henry Ford surgeon will discuss your options during your consultation.
• VISX S4 CustomVue® excimer laser: For both LASIK and PRK, your Henry Ford surgeon reshapes your cornea with this refractive laser. This advanced refractive technology allows us to treat a wide range of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The CustomVue laser provides a precise level of measurement and correction never before possible in laser vision correction.

Refractive technology suite for cataracts and presbyopia

For patients who have a cataract (cloudy lens) or presbyopia (natural, age-related decrease in reading vision due to an inflexible lens), we also use a coordinated system to replace the natural lenses in your eyes with intraocular lenses (IOLs). This refractive technology includes:

• LenSx® System: With this system, Henry Ford ophthalmologists perform laser cataract surgeries and refractive lens exchange. Both procedures feature enhanced customization and use advanced visualization to make a high-resolution, 3-D map of your eye.
• ORA System®: This intraoperative refractive technology gives your Henry Ford surgeon the ability to verify the correct prescription for your replacement lens during surgery, and this tool may also be used to help control astigmatism. Ultimately, this may reduce the likelihood of needing glasses after surgery.

Eye refractive surgery experts

Henry Ford is a leader in refractive surgery. Our expert surgeons will complete a thorough evaluation of your eyes and recommend the procedure we feel is safest and best for your eyes.

At Henry Ford, patients come first.

The Henry Ford Department of Ophthalmology is committed to providing our patients with compassionate, personalized care. We feature the most advanced treatments in eye care and are dedicated to vision research – always staying at the forefront of innovation. A leader in Michigan, as well as one of the largest ophthalmology practices in the United States, we treat more than 55,000 patients per year at several locations throughout southeast Michigan. In addition, our team works closely with Henry Ford Medical Group physicians in other departments, providing multidisciplinary, coordinated care for those patients who need it.