Choosing the Right LASIK in 2025: WaveLight Plus InnovEyes vs. CustomEyes
- Plan My Lasik
- May 6
- 4 min read
If you're considering LASIK surgery in 2025 to get rid of your glasses or contact lenses, you’ve likely come across two prominent options: WaveLight Plus InnovEyes and CustomEyes. Though both are designed to correct vision, the technologies they use and the results they offer vary significantly.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you make a smart and informed decision.
1. Technology at the Core
WaveLight Plus InnovEyes is powered by Ray Tracing LASIK, a cutting-edge technique launched by Alcon in 2024. It creates a highly accurate, 3D digital model, “EyeVatar,” of your eye by tracing how individual light rays pass through each layer, from cornea to retina, offering a truly personalized treatment.
In contrast, CustomEyes by Schwind is based on Wavefront-Guided LASIK, a more traditional method that relies on older standard eye models (Gullstrand’s eye model). While rebranded in 2024, this core technology has existed for years and is available on multiple platforms.
2. Safety and Regulatory Status
The WaveLight Plus InnovEyes system runs on the Alcon EX500 laser, with both software and hardware receiving full approval from the USFDA—a key indicator of its global credibility and safety standards.
On the other hand, the CustomEyes software and its corresponding Amaris laser platforms (1050/750/500) have not secured USFDA safety approval.
3. Clinical Results and Global Studies
Wavelight Plus InnovEyes showed the following results in peer-reviewed trials:
• 100% of InnovEyes patients achieved 6/6 vision or better
• 98% reached 6/5 vision
• Over 50% saw improvements up to 6/4
• Around 8–10% achieved 6/3, often termed as "Eagle Eye Vision"
Multiple international trials have compared Alcon’s and Schwind’s LASIK platforms. All trials concluded that Alcon’s LASIK platform was superior to Schwind’s LASIK platform.
You can access some of the trial’s results on the following links:
4. Customization: EyeVatar vs. Traditional Models
WaveLight Plus InnovEyes leads in personalization. It builds a 3D digital twin of your eye, known as the EyeVatar, on which a virtual surgery is simulated before the real procedure. This allows precise laser planning and enhanced visual outcomes.
CustomEyes, in comparison, is based on the Gullstrand’s model, a standard eye template, and lacks real-time, individualized simulation. This limits its ability to adapt to each patient’s unique eye structure and healing process.
5. Predictive Outcome Tools
Both platforms offer tools to predict post-surgery results. InnovEyes uses its 3D EyeVatar simulation with ray tracing iterations. CustomEyes relies on ForSight Software, which lacks the depth of ray tracing.
6. World-First Innovations by WaveLight Plus InnovEyes
What sets InnovEyes apart are three revolutionary advancements introduced for the first time in the world:
• Ray Tracing Integration: For the first time in LASIK history, individual light rays are tracked throughout your visual system for unparalleled accuracy.
• Digital Twin EyeVatar: Your unique eye is recreated in 3D, allowing for highly personalized, optimized treatment.
• Future-Proofing: InnovEyes considers post-operative healing, corneal remodeling, and biomechanical changes to maintain long-term clarity.
7. Surgical Approach Options
Both InnovEyes and CustomEyes offer flexibility. Your surgeon can choose between:
• Flap-based LASIK
• Flapless procedures (surface ablation)
The best method is chosen based on your corneal thickness, eye health, and surgeon recommendation.
8. Pricing Comparison (India)
Procedure | Technology Used | Price for Both Eyes |
WaveLight Plus InnovEyes | Ray Tracing LASIK | ₹1,30,000 - ₹1,50,000 |
CustomEyes | Wavefront-Guided LASIK | ₹85,000 - ₹95,000 |
While CustomEyes is more budget-friendly, InnovEyes offers unmatched precision, safety, and long-term benefits, justifying the price difference.
9. Key Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
Before making your final choice, ask:
• Is the laser system USFDA approved?
• Is ray tracing part of the procedure?
• Will a 3D eye model (EyeVatar) be used?
• Is the technology designed to support long-term visual stability?
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
For patients seeking the highest standards in LASIK vision correction, WaveLight Plus InnovEyes emerges as the clear frontrunner. Its innovation in ray tracing, personalization, safety approvals, and superior outcomes makes it a future-ready solution.
If you're investing in vision, make sure you’re investing in the best that 2025 has to offer.
Comparison: At A Glance
Aspect | WaveLight Plus InnovEyes | CustomEyes |
Technology Platform | Pioneering Ray Tracing LASIK – the world’s first approved clinical use | Traditional wavefront-guided LASIK, rebranded in 2024 |
Developer | Alcon (Introduced in 2024) | Schwind, (Introduced in 2024, utilizing legacy wavefront technology) |
Customization Method | Uses real-time ray tracing combined with EyeVatar – a 3D eye model | Based on standard corneal wavefront using the Gullstrand eye model |
Level of Personalization | Completely tailored to each individual’s optical pathway | Limited customization based on generalized data |
Virtual Eye Simulation | EyeVatar enables a virtual procedure prior to real surgery | No digital modeling; uses traditional corneal mapping |
Regulatory Approval (USFDA) | Fully approved in the U.S. (hardware and software) | Not approved by the USFDA for either platform |
Suitability for Complex Eye Conditions | Exceptional – evaluates light transmission across the full eye structure | Restricted to surface wavefront interpretation |
Expected Vision Outcome | Up to 6/3 (equivalent to eagle-like vision) achieved in 8–10% of cases | Usually results in 6/6 or marginally better vision |
Surgical Planning with Healing | Incorporates predictive healing and future corneal reshaping | Does not consider corneal healing during planning |
Clinical Validation | Supported by peer-reviewed studies from India, Australia, and Europe | No comparable global clinical data available |
Equipment | Alcon’s EX500 system | Schwind’s Amaris models (1050/750/500) |
Procedure Options | Supports both flap and flapless LASIK techniques | Also supports both options |
Night Vision Performance | Outstanding – reduced glare and optical distortions | Higher risk of visual aberrations in low-light conditions |
Prediction of Surgical Results | Enabled through 3D EyeVatar digital simulations | Uses ForSight software for post-op forecasts |
Pricing in India (for both eyes) | ₹1,30,000 - ₹1,50,000 | ₹85,000 - ₹95,000 |
Preparedness for Future Needs | Engineered to maintain stability and visual clarity long-term | Based on static planning; not adaptable to future changes |
Comments