Decentered Ablation and
Lasik, PRK, LASEK, EpiLasik, etc.

Decentered ablation is when the area reshaped by the laser in PRK, LASEK, Lasik, Epi-Lasik, and other laser assisted refractive surgery techniques is not centered to the eye's visual axis. This often means the edge of the ablation zone is within the visual axis, producing ghosting, starbursts, and/or halos. It is possible that an enhancement will correct the decentered ablation, but that process may increase refractive error and make you overcorrected.

Excimer lasers that use high frequency eye tracking systems significantly reduce the probability of a decentered ablation, however a decentered ablation can occur even with a tracker. It is important for the patient to fixate on the target within the laser during surgery.

An ablation that corrects only the decentered portion of the original ablation is most desirable, but is limited by technology. CWR may resolve a decentered ablation. If you have a decentered ablation, discuss the current technology and techniques with your doctor.

If you are ready to choose a doctor to be evaluated for conventional or custom wavefront Lasik, All-Laser Lasik, PRK, LASEK, Epi-Lasik, CK, RLE, or any refractive surgery procedure, we highly recommend you consider a doctor who has been evaluated and certified by the USAEyes nonprofit organization. Locate a USAEyes Evaluated & Certified Lasik Laser Eye Surgery Doctor.