WaveLight® Plus Ray-Tracing LASIK
in La Jolla, San Diego
Experience Next-Generation Vision Correction with 3D Ray-Tracing Technology
At Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute in La Jolla, San Diego, we’re proud to offer WaveLight® Plus ray-tracing LASIK—the most advanced personalized vision correction technology available today. This breakthrough procedure uses innovative 3D eye mapping to create a “Digital Eye Twin” of your unique eye structure, enabling laser vision correction tailored specifically to you.
With over 75,000 refractive procedures performed and more than 40 years of innovation leadership in keratorefractive surgery, our team brings unparalleled expertise to WaveLight Plus LASIK. Our La Jolla practice is among the first in San Diego to offer this FDA-approved advancement, combining cutting-edge Alcon Sightmap technology with our surgeons’ decades of precision and patient-centered care.
Whether you’re tired of glasses and contacts or seeking the sharpest vision possible, WaveLight Plus ray-tracing LASIK represents the evolution of laser eye surgery. Read on to discover how this personalized approach to vision correction can transform your life.
- Why Choose Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute for WaveLight Plus Ray-Tracing LASIK?
- WaveLight Plus Technology: The Difference
- What is WaveLight Plus Ray-Tracing LASIK?
- How WaveLight Plus Differs from Traditional LASIK
- The WaveLight Plus Advantage: Superior Clinical Outcomes
- The WaveLight Plus Procedure: What to Expect
- WaveLight Plus Candidacy: Are You a Good Candidate?
- WaveLight Plus Results and Recovery
- Meet Your Surgeons
- WaveLight Plus Cost and Financing Options
- Frequently Asked Questions About WaveLight Plus Ray-Tracing LASIK
Why Choose Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute for WaveLight Plus Ray-Tracing LASIK?
Innovation Leadership You Can Trust
Dr. David J. Schanzlin is a pioneer in refractive surgery with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. As a former Professor and Director of Keratorefractive Surgery at UC San Diego’s Shiley Eye Center, Dr. Schanzlin has shaped the field of vision correction through groundbreaking research and clinical innovation. He served as President of the International Society of Refractive Surgery and is a recipient of the prestigious Barraquer Award—one of the highest honors in ophthalmology.
Dr. Michael Gordon, a board-certified ophthalmologist and award-winning vision correction specialist, complements this expertise with his own distinguished career pioneering laser vision correction. Together, they bring a combined legacy of innovation, research, and patient outcomes that few practices can match.
Unmatched Volume and Experience
Our practice has performed over 75,000 refractive procedures—more than most San Diego-area practices. This extensive experience translates directly to refined surgical technique, superior patient outcomes, and the ability to handle complex cases with confidence. When you choose Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute in La Jolla, you’re selecting surgeons who have perfected their craft through thousands of successful procedures.
WaveLight Plus Technology: The Difference
Unlike traditional LASIK systems that rely primarily on corneal surface measurements, WaveLight Plus ray-tracing technology captures three categories of data to create a comprehensive 3D model of your eye. This “Digital Eye Twin” allows our surgeons to simulate how light travels through your unique eye structure and plan a treatment that’s truly personalized—not generic.
Patient-Centered Care in La Jolla
From your initial consultation through post-operative follow-up, our team prioritizes your comfort, safety, and satisfaction. We take time to understand your vision goals, answer your questions thoroughly, and ensure you feel confident in your decision. Our state-of-the-art facility in La Jolla combines advanced technology with a warm, welcoming environment.
What is WaveLight Plus Ray-Tracing LASIK?
Understanding the Technology
WaveLight Plus is an FDA-approved advancement in LASIK technology that represents the first fully personalized approach to laser vision correction. The system uses advanced ray-tracing methodology—the same optical principle used in high-end camera lenses and telescopes—to map the precise optical characteristics of your eye in three dimensions.1
Here’s how it works:
3D Eye Mapping: Before surgery, WaveLight Plus captures detailed measurements of your cornea’s shape, the eye’s optical properties, and how light naturally travels through your visual system. This creates a comprehensive digital model—your “Digital Eye Twin.”
Personalized Treatment Planning: Using this 3D model, our surgeons simulate how the laser will reshape your cornea and predict the exact visual outcome. The system accounts for your unique eye anatomy, not just your prescription.
Precision Laser Delivery: During surgery, the laser delivers treatment with sub-micron precision, guided by real-time eye tracking and the pre-planned personalized map. The result is a correction tailored specifically to your eye’s individual characteristics.
How WaveLight Plus Differs from Traditional LASIK
Traditional LASIK systems use wavefront technology or topography-guided mapping to customize treatment. While these approaches are effective, they have limitations:
- Wavefront LASIK measures optical aberrations but may not account for all individual eye characteristics
- Topography-guided LASIK maps corneal surface irregularities but doesn’t capture the full 3D optical picture
- WaveLight Plus ray-tracing combines multiple data sources to create a complete 3D model, enabling truly personalized treatment
The difference? WaveLight Plus doesn’t just correct your prescription—it optimizes your entire optical system for the sharpest, clearest vision possible.
Bottom Line: While all three approaches are effective, WaveLight Plus offers the most advanced personalization and the highest likelihood of achieving exceptional visual outcomes.
The WaveLight Plus Advantage: Superior Clinical Outcomes
Exceptional Vision Clarity
According to American Academy of Ophthalmology research, nearly 98% of WaveLight Plus patients achieved 20/12.5 vision or better—meaning they can see details at 20 feet that most people need to be at 12.5 feet to see clearly. This level of visual acuity goes beyond 20/20, offering exceptional clarity for daily activities, driving, and professional work.2
Enhanced Contrast Sensitivity
Beyond visual acuity, WaveLight Plus patients experience improved contrast sensitivity—the ability to distinguish objects against backgrounds with varying lighting conditions. This is particularly valuable for:
- Night driving and low-light environments
- Reading fine print
- Recognizing faces in dim lighting
- Professional activities requiring visual precision
Reduced Higher-Order Aberrations
Higher-order aberrations are optical imperfections that can cause glare, halos, and starbursts around lights—common complaints after traditional LASIK. WaveLight Plus ray-tracing technology significantly reduces these aberrations, resulting in cleaner, crisper vision with fewer visual disturbances.
Personalization for Your Unique Eye
Every eye is different. WaveLight Plus recognizes this by creating a treatment plan based on your individual optical characteristics, not a one-size-fits-all algorithm. This personalization is particularly beneficial for patients with:
- Irregular astigmatism3
- Previous refractive surgery
- Complex prescriptions
- High-order aberrations
The WaveLight Plus Procedure: What to Expect
Step 1: Comprehensive Pre-Operative Evaluation
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation and diagnostic evaluation at our La Jolla facility. During this visit, we’ll:
- Review your medical and eye health history
- Perform advanced diagnostic testing (corneal topography, wavefront analysis, pachymetry, and more)
- Create your Digital Eye Twin using WaveLight Plus mapping technology
- Discuss your vision goals and expectations
- Answer all your questions about the procedure
This evaluation typically takes 1-2 hours and is essential for determining your candidacy and planning your personalized treatment.
Step 2: Pre-Operative Preparation
In the days leading up to your procedure, we’ll provide detailed instructions including:
- When to stop wearing contact lenses (typically 2 weeks before surgery)
- Medications to avoid
- What to wear and bring on surgery day
- Arrangements for transportation (you cannot drive immediately after surgery)
- Pre-operative eye drops to begin
Step 3: Surgery Day
On the day of your WaveLight Plus LASIK procedure:
Arrival & Preparation (30 minutes): You’ll arrive at our La Jolla surgical center, complete final paperwork, and receive numbing eye drops. You’ll meet with Dr. Schanzlin or Dr. Gordon to confirm your treatment plan.
The Procedure (10-15 minutes total):
- You’ll recline in the laser suite with your head positioned under the WaveLight Plus system
- Your eye will be gently held open with a speculum (you won’t feel this due to numbing drops)
- A suction ring is applied to stabilize your eye and create the corneal flap
- The femtosecond laser creates a thin, precise corneal flap
- The flap is gently lifted to expose the underlying corneal tissue
- The excimer laser delivers the personalized WaveLight Plus treatment, guided by your Digital Eye Twin
- The corneal flap is carefully repositioned and naturally adheres without stitches
- Protective eye drops are applied
Recovery Room (30-60 minutes): You’ll rest in our recovery area while our team monitors your eyes. Most patients notice improved vision within hours, though it continues to improve over the following days and weeks.
Step 4: Post-Operative Care
Following your WaveLight Plus LASIK at our La Jolla practice, you’ll have scheduled follow-up appointments:
- Day 1: Vision check and assessment of healing
- 1 Week: Evaluation of visual acuity and corneal healing
- 1 Month: Comprehensive eye exam
- 3 Months: Final assessment and any necessary enhancements
During this period, you’ll use prescribed eye drops, avoid strenuous activities, and follow our post-operative guidelines carefully.
WaveLight Plus Candidacy: Are You a Good Candidate?
Who Benefits Most from WaveLight Plus?
WaveLight Plus ray-tracing LASIK is an excellent option for patients who:
- Are at least 18 years old with stable vision for at least 1 year
- Have myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism
- Have adequate corneal thickness (typically 480 micrometers or greater)
- Are in good overall eye health with no active eye disease
- Have realistic expectations about outcomes
- Seek the highest level of visual quality and personalization
- Want to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses
Factors That May Affect Candidacy
Certain conditions may require additional evaluation or alternative procedures:
- Thin corneas: If your cornea is too thin for traditional LASIK, we may recommend PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) or implantable contact lenses (EVO ICL)
- Severe dry eye: We can often manage dry eye with pre-operative treatment, but severe cases may require alternative approaches
- Corneal irregularities: While WaveLight Plus handles many irregular corneas well, some cases may benefit from topography-guided LASIK
- Pregnancy: We recommend waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding to undergo LASIK
- Certain medical conditions: Autoimmune diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, or immunocompromised states may affect candidacy
- Medications: Some medications can affect healing; we’ll review your current medications during consultation
The Candidacy Evaluation Process
During your consultation at Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute in La Jolla, we’ll perform comprehensive testing to determine your candidacy:
- Corneal topography: Maps the shape of your cornea
- Pachymetry: Measures corneal thickness
- Wavefront analysis: Measures optical aberrations
- Pupil size measurement: Important for predicting visual quality
- Refraction: Determines your precise prescription
- Dilated eye exam: Assesses overall eye health
This thorough evaluation ensures we recommend the best procedure for your individual situation.
WaveLight Plus Results and Recovery
What to Expect: Vision Timeline
Immediately After Surgery:
- Vision will be blurry and hazy
- Eyes may feel scratchy or uncomfortable (manageable with prescribed drops)
- Sensitivity to light is common
First 24 Hours:
- Significant vision improvement for most patients
- Continued mild discomfort
- Avoid water, strenuous activity, and eye makeup
First Week:
- Most patients achieve functional vision (20/40 or better)
- Continued gradual improvement
- Follow post-operative restrictions carefully
First Month:
- Vision stabilizes significantly
- Most patients achieve their final vision outcome
- Can resume most normal activities
3-6 Months:
- Vision fully stabilizes
- Any minor fluctuations resolve
- Final visual acuity achieved
According to research in the Journal of Refractive Surgery, most WaveLight Plus patients achieve stable vision within 3 months, with 98% achieving 20/12.5 vision or better.
Post-Operative Activity Guidelines
Avoid for 1 Week:
- Swimming and hot tubs
- Strenuous exercise and contact sports
- Eye makeup and lotions
- Dusty or smoky environments
Avoid for 2-4 Weeks:
- Heavy lifting and straining
- Intense physical activity
- Rubbing your eyes
Can Resume:
- Light activities and walking: immediately
- Computer work: after 1-2 days (with frequent breaks)
- Driving: after 24 hours (if vision is adequate and you’re comfortable)
- Exercise: after 1 week (gradually increasing intensity)
- Contact sports: after 4 weeks
Long-Term Results
WaveLight Plus LASIK results are permanent. The corneal reshaping doesn’t change over time. However, your eyes may naturally change due to aging, which could affect your vision years later. According to American Academy of Ophthalmology data, approximately 10-15% of LASIK patients may need an enhancement procedure within 10 years, though this varies based on individual factors.
Meet Your Surgeons
Dr. David J. Schanzlin, MD
Dr. Schanzlin is an internationally recognized leader in refractive and corneal surgery with over 40 years of clinical experience. His career has been defined by innovation, research, and a commitment to advancing the field of vision correction.
Education & Training:
- Medical Degree: University of Chicago School of Medicine
- Residency: University of Chicago (Chief Resident in Ophthalmology)
- Fellowship: Advanced refractive surgery training
Professional Leadership:
- Former Professor and Director of Keratorefractive Surgery, UC San Diego Shiley Eye Center
- Former President, International Society of Refractive Surgery
- Recipient, Barraquer Award (highest honor in refractive surgery)
- Member, American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Associate Examiner, American Board of Ophthalmology
- Editorial Board Member: Refractive and Corneal Surgery, Cornea journals
Clinical Expertise:
- Over 40 years pioneering keratorefractive surgery
- 75,000+ refractive procedures performed
- Expertise in complex cases and revision surgery
- Research and publications in peer-reviewed journals
Dr. Schanzlin’s patients consistently praise his technical skill, thorough explanations, and genuine care for their vision outcomes.
Dr. Michael Gordon, MD
Dr. Gordon is a board-certified ophthalmologist and award-winning vision correction specialist known for his pioneering work in laser vision correction and his compassionate patient care.
Credentials:
- Board Certification: American Board of Ophthalmology
- Award: American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award
- Specialization: Laser vision correction, refractive surgery, advanced LASIK techniques
Clinical Focus:
- Custom and personalized LASIK procedures
- Complex refractive cases
- Patient education and informed decision-making
- Exceptional surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction
Dr. Gordon’s approach combines technical precision with genuine concern for each patient’s individual needs and vision goals.
Dr. Julio Echegoyen, MD, PhD
Dr. Echegoyen is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in corneal, cataract, and anterior segment surgery at Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute in La Jolla, San Diego. With dual training as a physician and research scientist, he brings a highly analytical, evidence-based approach to vision correction and surgical planning.
Education & Advanced Training:
- Medical Degree (MD): University of California, Irvine School of Medicine
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): UC Irvine, Biological Sciences
- Ophthalmology Residency: Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, UC Irvine
- Fellowship: Corneal, External Disease & Refractive Surgery, UC San Diego Shiley Eye Center
Board Certification & Professional Memberships:
- Board-Certified, American Board of Ophthalmology
- Member, American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Member, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
- Elected Board Member, San Diego Eye Bank
Clinical Expertise:
- Standard and complex cataract surgery
- Refractive cataract surgery
- Corneal disease and anterior segment surgery
- Refractive lens exchange (RLE)
- EVO ICL
Research & Clinical Leadership:
- Principal investigator for multiple clinical trials evaluating emerging ophthalmic technologies
- Author and co-author of peer-reviewed journal articles and textbook chapters
- Regular presenter at national ophthalmology conferences
Dr. Echegoyen’s background in both clinical medicine and scientific research allows him to help guide patients toward the most appropriate vision correction option—particularly when advanced diagnostics or alternative procedures to LASIK are needed.
Dr. Alison Gordon, MD
Dr. Alison Gordon is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in laser vision correction and cataract surgery at Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute in San Diego. She is known for her patient-focused approach, clear communication, and thoughtful treatment planning.
Education & Training:
- Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology: Princeton University (Magna Cum Laude)
- Medical Degree: Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York
- Ophthalmology Residency: California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco
Board Certification & Affiliations:
- Board-Certified, American Board of Ophthalmology
- Member, American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Member, American Medical Association
- Alpha Omega Alpha Society
- Unite for Sight Organization
Clinical Focus:
- Laser vision correction
- Cataract surgery
- Comprehensive ophthalmic care
Dr. Gordon works closely with patients to align vision correction recommendations with their lifestyle, visual goals, and long-term eye health, whether that involves advanced LASIK technology or lens-based surgical options.
WaveLight Plus Cost and Financing Options
Pricing
The cost of WaveLight Plus ray-tracing LASIK varies based on individual factors including:
- Complexity of your prescription
- Degree of astigmatism
- Whether both eyes are treated
- Any additional procedures or enhancements
At Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute in La Jolla, we believe in transparent pricing. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed cost estimate based on your specific needs.
Financing Options
We understand that vision correction is an investment in your quality of life. We offer flexible financing options to make WaveLight Plus LASIK accessible:
- Payment plans: 0% interest financing available through CareCredit
- Insurance coverage: While LASIK is typically considered elective, some insurance plans offer partial coverage; we’ll verify your benefits
- Flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA): You may be able to use pre-tax dollars to pay for your procedure
- Direct payment discounts: Ask about our pricing for patients paying out-of-pocket
Our financial coordinators will work with you to find a payment solution that fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About WaveLight Plus Ray-Tracing LASIK
Is WaveLight Plus LASIK painful?
No. Your eyes will be numbed with anesthetic drops before the procedure, so you won’t feel pain—only mild pressure and awareness of the laser. Some patients report a slight scratchy sensation for the first 24 hours after surgery, which is easily managed with prescribed eye drops.
How long does the WaveLight Plus procedure take?
The actual laser treatment takes only 10-15 minutes per eye. Your total time in the surgical suite, including preparation and positioning, is typically 20-30 minutes. The entire appointment, including pre-operative preparation and post-operative monitoring, usually takes 1-2 hours.
Are the results of WaveLight Plus LASIK permanent?
Yes. The corneal reshaping performed during WaveLight Plus LASIK is permanent. Your vision won’t regress over time. However, your eyes may naturally change due to aging or other factors, which could affect your vision years later. Approximately 10-15% of LASIK patients may need an enhancement procedure within 10 years.
Can I have WaveLight Plus LASIK if I have astigmatism?
Yes. WaveLight Plus is particularly effective for patients with astigmatism because the 3D ray-tracing technology precisely maps and corrects astigmatic errors. In fact, the personalized approach of WaveLight Plus makes it an excellent choice for astigmatism correction.4
What are the risks and complications of WaveLight Plus LASIK?
Like any surgical procedure, WaveLight Plus LASIK carries some risks, though serious complications are rare.5 Potential side effects include:
- Dry eyes: Most common; usually temporary and manageable with drops
- Glare and halos: Typically mild and improve over time
- Undercorrection or overcorrection: May require an enhancement procedure
- Infection: Rare; prevented through careful post-operative care
- Corneal ectasia: Very rare; more common in patients with thin corneas or keratoconus
During your consultation, we’ll discuss these risks in detail and explain how we minimize them through careful patient selection and surgical technique.
Where can I find WaveLight Plus ray-tracing LASIK near me in San Diego?
Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute in La Jolla is among the first practices in San Diego to offer WaveLight Plus ray-tracing LASIK. Our surgeons bring decades of combined experience in refractive surgery and have performed over 75,000 procedures. We combine cutting-edge WaveLight Plus technology with personalized, compassionate care. Schedule your consultation today to experience the difference that true innovation and expertise can make in your vision.
Schedule Your WaveLight Plus Ray-Tracing LASIK Consultation
Ready to experience next-generation vision correction? Contact Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute in La Jolla, San Diego today to schedule your comprehensive WaveLight Plus evaluation.
During your consultation, we’ll:
- Perform advanced diagnostic testing
- Create your Digital Eye Twin
- Discuss your vision goals
- Answer all your questions
- Determine your candidacy for WaveLight Plus LASIK
Don’t let glasses and contacts limit your life. Discover the clarity and precision of WaveLight Plus ray-tracing LASIK.
Sources1 Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery. Ray-tracing–guided myopic LASIK: real-world clinical outcomes. https://journals.lww.com/jcrs/fulltext/2023/11000/ray_tracing_guided_myopic_lasik__real_world.10.aspx. Accessed November 14, 2025.
2 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Latest evolution of LASIK technology shows superior results in new study. News release. October 18, 2025. Accessed [insert date]. https://www.aao.org/newsroom/news-releases/detail/latest-evolution-of-lasik-technology-shows-results. Accessed November 14, 2025.
3 Clinical Ophthalmology. Higher-Order Aberrations Following Ray Trace LASIK and the Impact of Eye Movement on Coma. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11588571/. Accessed November 14, 2025.
4 Clinical Ophthalmology. Higher-Order Aberrations Following Ray Trace LASIK and the Impact of Eye Movement on Coma. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11588571/. Accessed November 14, 2025.
5 Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy. Ray tracing-guided LASIK for high myopia and astigmatism: Initial clinical outcomes. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1572100025002479. Accessed November 14, 2025.
The doctors at Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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