Optiwave Refractive Analysis, or the ORA System, is the biggest advancement in treating cataracts seen in decades. This technology is a wavefront aberrometer. It allows the surgeon to take real-time measurements of patients’ eyes during their procedure. It also works for astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness as it ensures these are appropriately corrected.
How Does ORA Work for Cataracts?
ORA uses Wavefront technology to analyze the eye for the imperfect way light passes through. It can determine whether the eye is in focus during the procedure. If it’s not, the ORA System helps the surgeon focus the eye.
During cataract surgery, the surgeon removes the cloudy lens. It’s replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL) implant. The ORA System attaches to the surgical microscope. It measures the refractive power of the eye after the surgeon removes the cataract.
While the technology can help all patients, it’s especially beneficial for patients who have had refractive surgery such as LASIK, RK, or PRK. That’s because the cornea’s natural curvature has been changed. As a result, the standard formulas calculating the proper IOL may not be accurate.
The ORA System works like a GPS system that tracks a vehicle’s progress on the road. The ORA System assesses the eye during cataract surgery. Its data gives the doctor the information needed to make real-time adjustments to obtain a better result.
The ORA System is the customized version of cataract surgery. It enhances the surgical outcomes by helping the surgeon analyze the state of the eye to confirm vision correction needs while undergoing the procedure. Whereas in basic cataract surgery, these corrections are done after the surgery during the follow-up appointments.
How does ORA System Measure Astigmatism?
Astigmatism occurs when the back of the eye is imperfectly round. This causes something like a double vision in one eye. ORA can measure astigmatism by mapping and verifying the curvature of the eye and finding the defect. The process helps the surgeon determine what type of IOL will be ideal for fixing the defect. As the doctor places the lens, the ORA System shows how the lens affects the patient’s vision.
The ORA System can help surgeons achieve better results in improving the quality of vision. The technology provides another level of verification that leads to an optimal result. And finally, the ORA system can improve the accuracy of correcting astigmatism. It may reduce the chance of needing glasses after the procedure.
