The future of laser vision correction has arrived in our state. Nebraska Medicine’s Truhlsen Eye Institute now offers advanced laser technology called WaveLight® Plus.

“We are thrilled that Truhlsen Eye Institute is the first location in Nebraska and the first university medical center in the U.S. to offer the revolutionary WaveLight® Plus technology,” says ophthalmologist Brian Armstrong, MD.

The new laser system uses artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technology to provide vision that is better than what you can get with glasses or contacts.

What makes WaveLight® Plus different

WaveLight® Plus uses an advanced ray-tracing imaging device to measure the full optical system of each eye. AI uses the measurements to create what doctors call an “eyevatar.” This is a detailed 3D model of your eye. Next, the software does multiple calculations to design a treatment plan personalized just for you.

Because WaveLight® Plus measures and treats optical irregularities throughout the whole eye, the technology represents a major step forward from standard LASIK surgery. While traditional procedures aim for 20/20 vision, patients who get WaveLight® Plus have achieved better-than-standard vision. The vast majority of patients achieving 20/16 vision or better.  

How it works

The WaveLight® Plus procedure happens in three main steps:

1. Eye mapping: A special imaging device creates your personal eyevatar, capturing how light travels through your eyes and any unique features that affect your vision.
2. AI-powered planning: AI analyzes your eyevatar and runs thousands of different treatment scenarios to find the best approach for your eyes. This process identifies and plans to correct even subtle vision problems that you might not notice but that affect the quality of what you see.
3. Precision laser treatment: The laser uses ultra-fast pulses and tracks eye movement over 1,000 times per second, making it quick, safe and comfortable. The treatment takes only seconds per eye. 

From research to results

The Truhlsen Eye Institute team didn’t just bring this technology to Nebraska. They helped study it. The institute was part of the research study that led to FDA approval of WaveLight® Plus.

“Truhlsen Eye Institute played a crucial role in the Phase 3 FDA study that led to the approval of this cutting-edge technology, with our chair, Dr. Ronald Krueger, serving as the coordinating investigator for the study,” Dr. Armstrong says.

This means patients in Nebraska have access to technology that was tested and refined right in their backyard.

More than just better vision

WaveLight® Plus does more than help you see clearly. It can help to improve visual quality by reducing haloes, glare and trouble seeing contrast. These problems often can’t be fixed with glasses or regular contact lenses.

For many patients, this means clearer and more comfortable vision, less distortion and crisper details. Unfortunately, WaveLight® Plus is currently only approved in patients who have never had LASIK or cataract surgery beforehand. This procedure also does not treat eye problems related to cataracts, glaucoma or retinal disease.

The system can be used for both LASIK and PRK treatments. This helps doctors tailor the best approach for each patient.

Complete vision correction options

WaveLight® Plus is the newest option, but Dr. Armstrong says the institute’s board-certified ophthalmologists offer many choices. 

“In addition to WaveLight® Plus, our fellowship-trained refractive eye surgeons offer the full array of advanced vision correction procedures,” he says. “These include LASIK, PRK, Contoura Vision, SMILE, EVO ICL and Dysfunctional Lens Replacement.”

The institute offers free consultations to help decide which vision correction might work best for you. During this visit, doctors will examine your eyes, learn about your vision goals and explain the best treatment options for you.