WaveLight® Plus LASIK in McLean VA: Why Dr. Holzman Brought This Technology to the DMV First
When Dr. Andrew Holzman decided to bring WaveLight® Plus technology to his McLean, Virginia practice, he wasn’t just adding another laser to the office—he was bringing the most significant advancement in LASIK technology to the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia region before anyone else.
Holzman Laser Vision became the first practice in the entire DMV area to offer WaveLight® Plus, an advanced form of LASIK that uses ray-tracing technology to take over 100,000 measurements and create a personalized 3D “digital twin” of each patient’s eye. This isn’t an incremental improvement—it’s a fundamental reimagining of how LASIK can be performed.
For patients in Northern Virginia considering LASIK, this means access to technology that other practices in the region don’t yet offer. But more importantly, it means better outcomes, sharper vision, and a level of customization that wasn’t possible with traditional LASIK.
What Makes WaveLight® Plus Different from Traditional LASIK?
Traditional LASIK (widely available since 1999) uses a laser to reshape the cornea and correct common refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It’s been highly successful, with millions of satisfied patients worldwide.
Wavefront-Guided LASIK (the previous generation) took things further by creating a 3D map of the cornea, allowing for more customized treatment of each patient’s unique optical characteristics.
WaveLight® Plus LASIK (FDA-approved in March 2025) represents the next evolution. Instead of just mapping the front surface of the eye, WaveLight® Plus uses innovative ray-tracing technology to map the entire optical system—from the front of the cornea all the way through the lens to the back of the eye.
The difference is like going from a topographical map of a mountain range to a complete geological survey that shows everything happening beneath the surface. WaveLight® Plus captures information that traditional LASIK systems simply cannot detect.
The Science Behind Ray-Tracing LASIK
WaveLight® Plus uses something called SightMap™ technology powered by 3D ray-tracing to create a complete digital copy of each patient’s eyes. This advanced diagnostic system analyzes how thousands of individual rays of light travel through the entire eye—not just the cornea.
By mapping the unique structure of each eye with unprecedented precision, surgeons can identify and correct subtle visual imperfections that regular glasses or contact lenses can’t address, such as glare and halos that affect night vision.
The system creates what’s essentially a “Digital Eye Twin”—a virtual model of the patient’s eye that allows Dr. Holzman to simulate, test, and optimize a personalized treatment plan before ever touching the actual eye. This level of pre-surgical planning wasn’t possible with previous LASIK technologies.
Clinical Results: WaveLight® Plus vs. Other Technologies
The clinical evidence supporting WaveLight® Plus is compelling.
A study presented at the 129th annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology enrolled 60 patients who underwent WaveLight® Plus LASIK in one eye and SMILE Pro (another leading laser vision correction technique) in the other eye.
The results three months after surgery were striking:
- 98% of patients achieved 20/12.5 vision or better with WaveLight® Plus, compared to 82% with SMILE Pro
- Every eye treated with WaveLight® Plus was within a quarter-diopter of the target prescription, while SMILE Pro achieved this precision in about three-quarters of cases
- WaveLight® Plus produced lower levels of higher-order aberrations—optical imperfections that affect night vision and contrast sensitivity
- Better correction of astigmatism compared to competing technologies
Dr. A. John Kanellopoulos, clinical professor of Ophthalmology at NYU medical school and the study’s lead researcher, noted that “ray-tracing LASIK not only effectively corrected refractive error, but also improved visual performance at higher percentages than SMILE Pro”.
Real-world data supports these findings. WaveLight® Plus patients frequently achieve exceptional results: 98% achieved 20/20 or better, 82% achieved 20/16 or better, and 45% achieved 20/12.5 or better—that’s vision sharper than what most people consider “perfect.”
Why Dr. Holzman Chose to Be First in the DMV
Dr. Holzman has built his reputation over 30 years on a simple principle: patients deserve access to the best technology available, delivered with world-class surgical expertise.
When Alcon announced the launch of WaveLight® Plus in the United States in 2025, Dr. Holzman immediately recognized its potential to deliver better outcomes for his patients. Rather than wait to see how the technology performed elsewhere, he made the strategic decision to bring it to the DMV region first.
“Every patient deserves a treatment plan tailored to their unique eyes and lifestyle,” Dr. Holzman explains. “WaveLight® Plus allows us to achieve that with a level of precision and safety that truly represents the next generation of laser vision correction.”
This decision reflects Dr. Holzman’s long-standing commitment to staying at the forefront of refractive surgery innovation. His practice has consistently been among the first in the region to adopt breakthrough technologies that improve patient outcomes – a track record that gives patients confidence they’re receiving the most advanced care available.
The Key Advantages of WaveLight® Plus Technology
1. Unprecedented Personalization
Every eye is as unique as a fingerprint. WaveLight® Plus captures this uniqueness with exceptional detail, allowing Dr. Holzman to create a treatment plan specifically designed for each patient’s optical system. The technology accounts for variations in corneal curvature, lens position, and internal optical characteristics that traditional LASIK cannot address.
2. Superior Visual Outcomes
The clinical data is clear: WaveLight® Plus delivers a higher percentage of patients achieving better-than-20/20 vision. Many patients see 20/16 or even 20/12.5—vision sharper than what they had with glasses or contacts. This level of visual performance wasn’t consistently achievable with previous LASIK technologies.
3. Better Night Vision
One of the most common concerns about LASIK is the potential for glare, halos, or starbursts around lights at night. WaveLight® Plus can even fix visual imperfections that regular glasses or contacts can’t, like glare and halos. The system’s optimized treatment zone specifically addresses night vision quality, reducing the side effects that affected some patients with older LASIK technologies.
4. Enhanced Precision and Predictability
The ray-tracing technology allows for correction with unprecedented accuracy. The treatment can account for minute variations in the eye’s optical system that would be impossible to detect and address with conventional diagnostic tools. This translates to more predictable outcomes and fewer patients needing enhancement procedures.
5. Bladeless, Gentle Procedure
WaveLight® Plus utilizes a cool ultraviolet laser for a bladeless and gentle procedure. The advanced laser platform operates with speed and safety features that improve outcome predictability while maintaining the highest standards of patient comfort.
6. Real-Time Eye Tracking
The system incorporates sophisticated active eye-tracking technology that responds instantly to natural eye movements during surgery. This ensures maximum precision throughout the procedure, maintaining accuracy even if the patient’s eye shifts slightly during treatment.
Who Benefits Most from WaveLight® Plus?
Patients with Higher Prescriptions: The enhanced precision makes WaveLight® Plus particularly effective for patients with more significant refractive errors who might have had suboptimal results with traditional LASIK.
Patients with Astigmatism: The findings suggest that patients seeking the sharpest possible vision may find better outcomes with ray-tracing guided LASIK systems, particularly for complex prescriptions or when correcting astigmatism.
Patients Concerned About Night Vision: Those who drive frequently at night or work in low-light conditions benefit from WaveLight® Plus’s superior ability to minimize glare and halos.
Perfectionists Seeking the Sharpest Vision: For patients who want the very best visual outcomes possible—not just adequate correction, but truly exceptional vision—WaveLight® Plus offers the highest probability of achieving 20/16 or better vision.
Patients Previously Told They Weren’t Candidates: The enhanced diagnostic capabilities of WaveLight® Plus can sometimes identify treatment options for patients who were previously considered borderline candidates for LASIK.
The WaveLight® Plus Experience at Holzman Laser Vision
Receiving WaveLight® Plus LASIK at Holzman Laser Vision combines cutting-edge technology with the deep experience that comes from Dr. Holzman’s 95,000+ procedures performed over three decades.
Initial Consultation
Every WaveLight® Plus journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. Dr. Holzman and his team use the advanced SightMap™ diagnostic system to capture detailed measurements of each patient’s eyes. This isn’t a quick scan—it’s a thorough analysis that provides the foundation for creating a truly personalized treatment plan.
During the consultation, patients learn:
- Whether they’re good candidates for WaveLight® Plus LASIK
- What visual outcomes they can realistically expect
- How their unique eye characteristics will be addressed
- What the procedure and recovery will involve
The Procedure
The WaveLight® Plus procedure itself is remarkably quick—typically completed in about 15 minutes for both eyes. The advanced laser platform operates with exceptional speed and precision, while the active eye-tracking system ensures accuracy throughout the treatment.
Patients report that the procedure is more comfortable than they expected, thanks to the gentle, bladeless approach and the efficiency of the technology.
Recovery and Results
Most patients notice significant improvement in their vision within 24 hours, with continued enhancement over the following weeks. The recovery process is faster and smoother than many patients anticipate.
98% of WaveLight® Plus patients say they’d choose the procedure again and would recommend it to family and friends—a satisfaction rate that speaks to both the quality of the outcomes and the overall experience.
The First-Mover Advantage: What It Means for DMV Patients
Being the first practice in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia area to offer WaveLight® Plus provides several advantages for patients:
Immediate Access: Patients don’t have to wait for other practices to catch up or travel outside the region to access this technology.
Experienced Team: Dr. Holzman and his staff have already developed deep expertise with the WaveLight® Plus system, having performed numerous procedures since bringing it to the DMV.
Proven Track Record: Dr. Holzman’s history of being an early adopter of breakthrough technologies means patients can trust in his judgment about which innovations truly deliver better outcomes.
Local Convenience: With locations in Tysons Corner, Virginia and Chevy Chase, Maryland, patients can access world-class technology close to home.
Investment in Your Vision: Understanding the Value
WaveLight® Plus represents a premium technology that costs more than conventional LASIK. However, many patients find that the investment pays for itself when considering the superior outcomes and the long-term value of exceptional vision.
For many individuals, LASIK pays for itself within a few years compared to the ongoing costs of glasses, contact lenses, solution, eye exams, and replacements. When factoring in the potential for better visual outcomes and fewer enhancement procedures, WaveLight® Plus can represent excellent value over a lifetime.
Holzman Laser Vision offers financing options to make WaveLight® Plus accessible to more patients who want the very best in vision correction technology.
Frequently Asked Questions About WaveLight® Plus LASIK
Q: How is WaveLight® Plus different from the LASIK my friend had a few years ago?
WaveLight® Plus uses ray-tracing technology to map the entire optical system of your eye with over 100,000 measurements, creating a truly personalized treatment. Traditional LASIK, while effective, only measures and treats the cornea’s front surface. This means WaveLight® Plus can detect and correct subtle imperfections that previous LASIK technologies couldn’t address, leading to sharper vision and better night vision quality.
Q: Am I a good candidate for WaveLight® Plus if I was told I wasn’t a candidate for traditional LASIK?
Possibly. The enhanced diagnostic capabilities of WaveLight® Plus can sometimes identify treatment options that weren’t apparent with older technology. However, candidacy still depends on factors like corneal thickness, eye health, and prescription stability. A comprehensive consultation with Dr. Holzman will determine if WaveLight® Plus is right for you.
Q: Is the procedure different from traditional LASIK?
The fundamental approach is similar—creating a corneal flap and reshaping the underlying tissue—but WaveLight® Plus uses more advanced lasers and a completely different planning system. The procedure itself is quick, bladeless, and gentle. Most patients find it more comfortable than they expected.
Q: How long does WaveLight® Plus LASIK take?
The actual laser treatment typically takes about 15 minutes for both eyes. With preparation and post-procedure checks, plan for about 1-2 hours at the office for your LASIK day.
Q: What’s the recovery like after WaveLight® Plus?
Most patients notice significant improvement within 24 hours and can return to normal activities within a few days. You’ll have some restrictions (no rubbing your eyes, avoiding swimming for a few weeks), but the recovery is generally faster and more comfortable than many patients expect.
Q: Will my insurance cover WaveLight® Plus LASIK?
LASIK is typically considered an elective procedure and not covered by standard health insurance. However, some vision plans offer discounts, and you may be able to use funds from an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or HSA (Health Savings Account). Holzman Laser Vision offers financing options to make treatment more accessible.
Q: Why should I choose Dr. Holzman for WaveLight® Plus LASIK?
Dr. Holzman brings 30+ years of experience and 95,000+ procedures to every WaveLight® Plus treatment. Being first in the DMV to offer this technology demonstrates his commitment to providing patients with the most advanced care available. His track record of surgical excellence, combined with cutting-edge technology, offers patients the best possible foundation for outstanding results.
Q: Does WaveLight® Plus hurt?
The procedure itself is painless—numbing drops ensure comfort throughout. In the first few hours after treatment, you may experience some itching, burning, or tearing, but this is typically mild and manageable with rest and prescribed medications. By the next day, most patients feel comfortable.
Schedule Your WaveLight® Plus Consultation in McLean
If you’re considering LASIK and want access to the most advanced technology available, WaveLight® Plus at Holzman Laser Vision offers unparalleled precision and proven results.
Dr. Holzman and his team are now performing WaveLight® Plus procedures at both locations:
Tysons Corner, Virginia
8401 Greensboro Drive, Suite 525
McLean, VA 22102
Chevy Chase, Maryland
5454 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 850
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Call (855) 99-LASIK to schedule your comprehensive WaveLight® Plus consultation and discover what the most advanced LASIK technology can do for your vision.
About Dr. Andrew E. Holzman
Dr. Andrew E. Holzman, MD, FACS, is one of the most highly respected laser eye surgery specialists in the United States. Over his 30-year career, he has performed more than 95,000 LASIK, PRK, and other vision correction procedures.
Dr. Holzman is regularly sought out by professional athletes, media personalities, and other physicians for laser eye surgery. His commitment to combining world-class surgical expertise with the most advanced technology available has made Holzman Laser Vision a premier destination for vision correction in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia region.
By being the first to bring WaveLight® Plus technology to the DMV, Dr. Holzman continues his tradition of leading with innovation to deliver the best possible outcomes for every patient.
