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For the first time in medical history, eye surgeons now have access to technology capable of revealing how the human body's entire optical system processes light, according to eye surgeon Paul Michael Mann, MD., of Mann-Berkeley Eye Center.
"Without question, this technology is a dramatic step forward in our pursuit of perfect vision"
said Dr. Mann, who together with his partners helped introduce WavePrint technology in the Houston and Austin markets. "Previously, we were limited to only surface measurements of the eye. But this technology gives us an actual 'fingerprint' of the entire optical system."
The WaveScan System was developed by VISX, Inc. - the world's largest manufacturer of Excimer lasers - to provide eye doctors the most comprehensive picture of the eye ever developed, including more quantitative & qualitative data on irregular astigmatism and higher order aberrations. The most common forms of lower order aberrations include myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, those corrected by conventional contact lenses and glasses.
Until the evolution of WaveScan technology, higher order aberrations within the eye could not be detected or corrected through traditional prescriptive eyewear.
Most surgeons feel the most promising aspect of the WaveScan system is its ability to help surgeons identify individuals who are not ideal candidates for LASIK and enhance the results for those patients who have the procedure. "As surgeons, we've known for years that no two eyes are alike," said Dr. Mann. "Just like our fingerprint and DNA, each of our eyes have their own unique characteristics. With this technology, we can actually develop a customized treatment plan for each of our patients' individual needs."
Taking a WaveScan of the eye takes only a few minutes to complete and is virtually painless. No medications or eye drops are required and the system produces a detailed color mapping of the entire optical system. An infrared laser places a spot on the retina that is then reflected through the eye and focused by a lenset array. This image is then compared to a uniform spot pattern to help doctors determine the level of deviation of the individual light rays and the magnitude of the aberrations in each eye.
"I strongly suggest that anyone considering laser vision correction first have their eyes mapped with this technology," Dr. Mann said. "It gives us more specific information about an individual's eyes than we've ever had."
MannBerkeley Eye Center is a full-service eye care facility with offices in Houston, Austin & Corpus Christi. Dr. Mann has been involved in all phases of laser vision correction since its approval in 1995. He has performed thousands of LASIK procedures and is actively involved in new developments in the field of refractive surgery.
For complete details on WaveScan technology, please contact MannBerkeley Eye Center at mannberkeley.com or toll-free 1-800-899-2020.
Mann-Berkeley Eye Center - Dr. Paul Michael Mann 
Dr. P. Michael Mann specializes in cataract and refractive (LASIK) surgery. He has been performing cataract surgery since the mid 1970's and began performing refractive surgery in 1981 with radial keratotomy (RK) procedures. He has since performed thousands of cataract and refractive surgeries on patients from all over the world. VISX, a leading laser company, honored Dr. Mann as one of the top 100 refractive surgeons in the United States in 1999. He has also taught numerous cataract and refractive surgery courses to hundreds of other ophthalmologists. Dr. Mann stays abreast of new technology by participating in FDA clinical trials. Most recently, he treated patients with high myopia and hyperopia with implantable contact lenses.
Dr. Mann earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University and completed his internship at Baylor College of Medicine. He served as flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force in Europe before completing his residency in ophthalmology at Tulane University.
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