FDA-Approved lasers for LASIK
Approval Number for a particular laser will connect you to another FDA page with links to the Approval Order, Indications for Use, the Summary of Safety and Effectiveness (SSE) and the Labeling for Physician and Patient (labeling is often combined into one document with the patient labeling following the physician labeling). Company and model
Approval number and date
Approved indications
(D = diopters)
<Lasik University
Alcon
- LADARVision P970043/S5
5/9/00 Myopia less than -9.0D with or without astigmatism from -0.5 to -3.0D
Alcon
- LADARVision P970043/S7
9/22/00 Hyperopia less than 6.0D with or without astigmatism less than -6.0D
Alcon
- LADARVision P970043/S10
10/18/02 Wavefront-guided LASIK: Myopia up to -7.0D with or without astigmatism less than 0.5D
Alcon
- LADARVision P970043/S15
6/29/04 Wavefront-guided LASIK: Myopic astigmatism from -0.5D to -4.0D
Alcon
- Apex Plus P930034/S13
10/21/99 Myopia less than -14.0D with or without astigmatism from 0.5 to 5.0D
Bausch & Lomb Surgical
- Technolas 217a P990027
2/23/00 Myopia from -1.0 to -7.0D with or without astigmatism less than -3.0D
Bausch & Lomb Surgical
- Technolas 217a P990027/S2
5/15/02 Myopia less than -11D with or without astigmatism less than -3.0D
Bausch & Lomb Surgical
- Technolas 217a P990027/S4
2/25/03 Hyperopia between 1.0 and 4.0D with or without astigmatism up to 2.0D
Bausch & Lomb Surgical
- Technolas 217z P990027/S6
10/10/03 Wavefront-guided LASIK: Myopia up to -7.0D with or without astigmatism up to -3.0D
Dishler P970049
12/16/99 Myopia from -0.5 to -13.0D with or without astigmatism between -0.5 to -4.0D
Kremer P970005
7/30/98 Myopia from -1.0 to -15.0D with or without astigmatism up to -5.0D
LaserSight
- LaserScan LSX P980008/S5
9/28/01 Myopia from -0.5 to -6.0D with or without astigmatism up to 4.5D
Nidek
- EC5000 P970053/S2
4/14/00 Myopia from -1.0 to -14.0D with or without astigmatism less than 4.0D
VISX
- Star S2 & S3 P930016/S12
4/27/01 Hyperopia between +0.5 and +5.0D with or without astigmatism up to +3.0D
VISX
- Star S2 & S3 P930016/S14
11/16/01 Mixed astigmatism up to 6.0D; cylinder is greater than sphere and of opposite sign
VISX
- Star S2 P990010
11/19/99 Myopia less than -14.0D with or without astigmatism between -0.5 and -5.0D
VISX
- Star S3 (EyeTracker) P990010/S1
4/20/00 Same as S2, except with eye tracker
VISX
- Star S4 & WaveScan WaveFront System P930016/S16
5/23/03 Wavefront-guided LASIK: Myopia up to -6.0D with or without astigmatism up to -3.0D
VISX
- Star S4 & WaveScan WaveFront System P930016/S17
12/14/04 Wavefront-guided LASIK: Hyperopia up to +3.00D with or without astigmatism up to +2.00D
WaveLight
- ALLEGRETTO WAVE P020050
10/07/03 Myopia up to -12.0D with or without astigmatism up to -6.0D.
WaveLight
- ALLEGRETTO WAVE P030008
10/10/03 Hyperopia up to +6.0D with or without astigmatism up to +5.0D.
FDA-Approved lasers for PRK and other refractive surgeries Company and model
Approval number and date
Approved indications
(D = diopters)
Alcon
- LADARVision P970043
11/2/98 PRK; Myopia from -1.0 to -10.0D with or without astigmatism less than -4.0D
Alcon
- Apex & Apex Plus P930034
10/25/95 PRK; Myopia from -1.5 to -7.0D
Alcon
- Apex Plus P930034/S9
3/11/98 PRK; Myopia from -1.0 to -6.0D with or without astigmatism from -1.0 to -4.0D
Alcon
- Apex Plus P930034/S12
10/21/99 PRK; Hyperopia from +1.5 to +4.0D with or without astigmatism less than -1.0D
Bausch & Lomb Surgical
- KERACOR 116 P970056
9/28/99 PRK; Myopia from -1.5 to -7.0D with or without astigmatism less than -4.5D
LaserSight
- LaserScan LSX P980008
11/12/99 PRK; Myopia from -1.0 to -6.0D with or without astigmatism less than 1.0D
Nidek
- EC5000 P970053
12/17/98 PRK; Myopia from -0.75 to -13.0D
Nidek
- EC5000 P970053/S1
9/29/99 PRK; Myopia from -1.0 to -8.0D with or without astigmatism from -0.5 to -4.0D
Refractec
- ViewPoint CK System P010018
4 /11/02 Conductive keratoplasty; Hyperopia from +0.75 to +3.25D with or without astigmatism up to 0.75D
Refractec
- ViewPoint CK System P010018/S5
03/16/2004 Conductive keratoplasty; Monovision in patients with presbyopia with or without hyperopia
Sunrise
- Hyperion P990078
6/30/00 Laser Thermokeratoplasty (LTK); Hyperopia from +0.75 to +2.5D with or without astigmatism less than 0.75D
VISX
- Model B & C (Star & Star S2) P930016
3/27/96 PRK; Myopia from 0 to -6.0D
VISX
- Model B & C (Star & Star S2) P930016/S3
4/24/97 PRK; Myopia from 0 to -6.0D with or without astigmatism from -0.75 to -4.0D
VISX
- Model B & C (Star & Star S2) P930016/S5
1/29/98 PRK; Myopia from 0 to -12.0D with or without astigmatism from 0 to -4.0D
VISX
- Star S2 P930016/S7
11/2/98 PRK; Hyperopia from +1.0 to +6.0D
VISX
- Star S2 & S3 P930016/S10
10/18/00 PRK; Hyperopia from +0.5 to +5.0D with or without astigmatism +0.5 to +4.0D
VISX
- Star S2 & S3 P930016/S13
3/19/01 Add myopia blend zone; increase overall ablation zone from 6.5 to 8.0mm
<Lasik University
Bausch & Lomb Hansetome™ Zero Compression Microkeratome
Bausch & Lomb Hansetome™ Zero Compression Microkeratome
<Lasik University
The microkeratome is the instrument that creates the corneal flap during the lasik surgery. Early on, microkeratomes were a complicated machine with many small components that required significant maintenance and assembly. These difficulties resulted in higher rates of lasik flap complications rarely seen today.
These complications includes poorly centered flaps, free flaps disconnected from the hinge, flaps that were to thin and too short. Also, the size of the flap was limited to 7-7.5mm.
The Bausch & Lomb Hansetome™ Zero Compression microkeratome allows the ability to create larger, thinner flaps- saving corneal tissue, creating less swelling and smoother flaps for quicker visual rehabilitation. The Zero Compression upgrade has been a significant step forward in preventing corneal abrasions (scratches on the surface of flap). In the past, the abrasion rate was high as 25%. With the Zero compression head it now less than 1%.
<Lasik University
<Lasik University
The microkeratome is the instrument that creates the corneal flap during the lasik surgery. Early on, microkeratomes were a complicated machine with many small components that required significant maintenance and assembly. These difficulties resulted in higher rates of lasik flap complications rarely seen today.
These complications includes poorly centered flaps, free flaps disconnected from the hinge, flaps that were to thin and too short. Also, the size of the flap was limited to 7-7.5mm.
The Bausch & Lomb Hansetome™ Zero Compression microkeratome allows the ability to create larger, thinner flaps- saving corneal tissue, creating less swelling and smoother flaps for quicker visual rehabilitation. The Zero Compression upgrade has been a significant step forward in preventing corneal abrasions (scratches on the surface of flap). In the past, the abrasion rate was high as 25%. With the Zero compression head it now less than 1%.
<Lasik University
Proof Lasik Researchers are Few, Know Lasik before Surgery!
Dear Lasik Researchers this new Gallup Poll proves not many people really are doing there Lasik Research before having Lasik. Please read this article.
Lasik University
New Gallup Poll Shows Most People Know Little About LASIK
ANAHEIM, Calif., Nov. 17 -- Results of a new Gallup poll being reported here this week at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology point to current misperceptions about LASIK surgery, and demonstrate that the public's understanding of laser vision correction is not keeping pace with technological advances in the field.
This survey, involving 1,000 men and women who wear eyeglasses or contact lenses and who have never had laser eye surgery, shows that:
The majority (85 percent) of all survey respondents who have considered LASIK say that it is somewhat important or very important to alleviate their dependency on eyeglasses or contact lenses.
The majority (86 percent) of all survey respondents who have considered LASIK appear to be waiting for a safer laser eye surgery procedure, and roughly one in five are actually fearful of the potential side effects or pain that they believe can be associated with laser vision correction.
More than half (56 percent) of all people polled who have considered LASIK admit that they actually have never spoken with a doctor about the procedure.
Most people (73 percent) participating in this Gallup poll admit that they know nothing at all about new advances in the field, and more than 67 percent actually say that they know little or nothing at all about LASIK in general.
"These survey results are important because they show that people are not taking the right steps to stay informed, or to make informed decisions about laser eye surgery," explains Andrew Caster, MD, clinical instructor of ophthalmology, UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute and medical director, Caster Eye Center. "LASIK is a virtually painless procedure, but fears about side effects, such as glare, halos and night vision problems, were significant concerns in the past. Today the potential for these unwanted side effects is significantly reduced because new wavefront-guided LASIK makes visual outcomes more predictable than with traditional LASIK."
The majority (73 percent) of both eye glass and contact lens wearers surveyed by Gallup say that they are unaware of this new wavefront technology -- a technology that eye surgeons have been using for more than a year to improve both the quantity and quality of a person's vision, and to reduce long-standing concerns about glare, halos and night vision problems.
According to Dr. Caster, he has performed the new wavefront-guided LASIK procedure on more than 400 patients, and, following surgery, these patients report that they are satisfied or very satisfied with their vision, and most report that their overall vision is far better now than they ever expected it could be.
"Roughly 50 million people in this country are potential candidates for laser vision correction, and the number of people who will undergo this procedure is expected to increase significantly in the future," Dr. Caster explains. "Anyone who might be considering LASIK needs to learn about the new technologies now available to them, and how these technologies can improve outcomes.
"Most importantly, people need to keep in mind that, as with any surgery, there can be risks involved with LASIK. A qualified eye surgeon can address their questions and determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure. Most often, people who have had problems with LASIK were not good candidates for the surgery in the first place."
Other Survey Findings
In this Gallup poll -- the first nationally representative, major public opinion poll to evaluate perceptions about laser eye surgery among potential candidates for the procedure -- respondents also were asked to identify some of the primary obstacles associated with their eye glasses and contact lenses. Additional findings revealed by this survey, which was commissioned by Alcon, Inc. included:
Nearly 40 percent of eye glass wearers who have considered LASIK say that they lost their glasses at least once in the preceding year, with more than half (56.4 percent) of all eye glass wearers saying that they just set their glasses down wherever they are when they remove them.
Forty-four percent of all eyeglass wearers who have considered laser eye surgery say that their glasses broke or required repair within the past 12 months.
Among eyeglass wearers who have considered laser eye surgery, about half (48 percent) say that they had pain at the bridge of their nose or the back of their ears in the past year due to their glasses, and 21 percent say that they suffered headaches as a result of their glasses.
Contact lens wearers report that, within the past year, they most frequently lost their contacts down the drain (28 percent) and in the shower (12 percent).
Forty four percent of all contact lens wearers say that dry eyes or irritated eyes caused by their contacts are the worst things associated with contact lens use.
One-quarter (26 percent) of all contact lens wearers who have considered LASIK say that they have suffered an eye infection in the past year due to their contacts.
"Eye glasses and contact lenses can really interfere with a person's daily routines, and when they cause problems, such as headaches, irritated eyes, or eye infections, people really should talk to an eye doctor about their options for vision correction," says Mark Speaker, MD, says Mark Speaker, MD, PhD, associate clinical professor of ophthalmology, New York Medical College. "Given the tremendous impact of new wavefront technology, people no longer need to put up with the hassles that can go hand-in-hand with corrective eye wear."
The Gallup Organization conducted this public opinion poll in September and October 2003. The 1,000 men and women who participated in this eight- minute telephone survey were screened to include only eyeglass and contact lens wearers, between the ages of 18 and 60, who had never had laser eye surgery. For results based on samples of this size, at the 95 percent confidence level, the error attributable to sampling and other random effects could be plus or minus three percentage points. Copies of the full Gallup poll findings can be obtained by contacting Erin Boyd, at 602.618.7938.
Thank you and check back for more Lasik Information.
Lasik University
Lasik Counselor
Lasik University
New Gallup Poll Shows Most People Know Little About LASIK
ANAHEIM, Calif., Nov. 17 -- Results of a new Gallup poll being reported here this week at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology point to current misperceptions about LASIK surgery, and demonstrate that the public's understanding of laser vision correction is not keeping pace with technological advances in the field.
This survey, involving 1,000 men and women who wear eyeglasses or contact lenses and who have never had laser eye surgery, shows that:
The majority (85 percent) of all survey respondents who have considered LASIK say that it is somewhat important or very important to alleviate their dependency on eyeglasses or contact lenses.
The majority (86 percent) of all survey respondents who have considered LASIK appear to be waiting for a safer laser eye surgery procedure, and roughly one in five are actually fearful of the potential side effects or pain that they believe can be associated with laser vision correction.
More than half (56 percent) of all people polled who have considered LASIK admit that they actually have never spoken with a doctor about the procedure.
Most people (73 percent) participating in this Gallup poll admit that they know nothing at all about new advances in the field, and more than 67 percent actually say that they know little or nothing at all about LASIK in general.
"These survey results are important because they show that people are not taking the right steps to stay informed, or to make informed decisions about laser eye surgery," explains Andrew Caster, MD, clinical instructor of ophthalmology, UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute and medical director, Caster Eye Center. "LASIK is a virtually painless procedure, but fears about side effects, such as glare, halos and night vision problems, were significant concerns in the past. Today the potential for these unwanted side effects is significantly reduced because new wavefront-guided LASIK makes visual outcomes more predictable than with traditional LASIK."
The majority (73 percent) of both eye glass and contact lens wearers surveyed by Gallup say that they are unaware of this new wavefront technology -- a technology that eye surgeons have been using for more than a year to improve both the quantity and quality of a person's vision, and to reduce long-standing concerns about glare, halos and night vision problems.
According to Dr. Caster, he has performed the new wavefront-guided LASIK procedure on more than 400 patients, and, following surgery, these patients report that they are satisfied or very satisfied with their vision, and most report that their overall vision is far better now than they ever expected it could be.
"Roughly 50 million people in this country are potential candidates for laser vision correction, and the number of people who will undergo this procedure is expected to increase significantly in the future," Dr. Caster explains. "Anyone who might be considering LASIK needs to learn about the new technologies now available to them, and how these technologies can improve outcomes.
"Most importantly, people need to keep in mind that, as with any surgery, there can be risks involved with LASIK. A qualified eye surgeon can address their questions and determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure. Most often, people who have had problems with LASIK were not good candidates for the surgery in the first place."
Other Survey Findings
In this Gallup poll -- the first nationally representative, major public opinion poll to evaluate perceptions about laser eye surgery among potential candidates for the procedure -- respondents also were asked to identify some of the primary obstacles associated with their eye glasses and contact lenses. Additional findings revealed by this survey, which was commissioned by Alcon, Inc. included:
Nearly 40 percent of eye glass wearers who have considered LASIK say that they lost their glasses at least once in the preceding year, with more than half (56.4 percent) of all eye glass wearers saying that they just set their glasses down wherever they are when they remove them.
Forty-four percent of all eyeglass wearers who have considered laser eye surgery say that their glasses broke or required repair within the past 12 months.
Among eyeglass wearers who have considered laser eye surgery, about half (48 percent) say that they had pain at the bridge of their nose or the back of their ears in the past year due to their glasses, and 21 percent say that they suffered headaches as a result of their glasses.
Contact lens wearers report that, within the past year, they most frequently lost their contacts down the drain (28 percent) and in the shower (12 percent).
Forty four percent of all contact lens wearers say that dry eyes or irritated eyes caused by their contacts are the worst things associated with contact lens use.
One-quarter (26 percent) of all contact lens wearers who have considered LASIK say that they have suffered an eye infection in the past year due to their contacts.
"Eye glasses and contact lenses can really interfere with a person's daily routines, and when they cause problems, such as headaches, irritated eyes, or eye infections, people really should talk to an eye doctor about their options for vision correction," says Mark Speaker, MD, says Mark Speaker, MD, PhD, associate clinical professor of ophthalmology, New York Medical College. "Given the tremendous impact of new wavefront technology, people no longer need to put up with the hassles that can go hand-in-hand with corrective eye wear."
The Gallup Organization conducted this public opinion poll in September and October 2003. The 1,000 men and women who participated in this eight- minute telephone survey were screened to include only eyeglass and contact lens wearers, between the ages of 18 and 60, who had never had laser eye surgery. For results based on samples of this size, at the 95 percent confidence level, the error attributable to sampling and other random effects could be plus or minus three percentage points. Copies of the full Gallup poll findings can be obtained by contacting Erin Boyd, at 602.618.7938.
Thank you and check back for more Lasik Information.
Lasik University
Lasik Counselor
Lasik Mobile Units Caution Warning!
Dear Lasik Mobile Unit Researchers, please read this article from the Medical Society And Pennsylvania Academy Of Ophthalmology Regarding On-The-Road Laser Eye Surgery
<Lasik University
Statement attributable to Michael J. Azar, MD, President, Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology
Patient safety is the highest concern for members of the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology, and today, we join the efforts of the Pennsylvania Medical Society to raise awareness of a hole in the safety net for eye care.
In recent months, mobile truck units have traveled across Pennsylvania to perform laser eye surgery. This new development has the potential of serving the needs of patients. However, we are concerned that the current regulations regarding surgical facilities need to be updated to reflect the development of these on-the-road units. Unfortunately, when the regulations were written, the state had no way of knowing that someday laser eye surgery could be performed out of the back of a truck. As a result, these units roam freely in Pennsylvania without any oversight by the state's department of health.
Both, the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology and the Pennsylvania Medical Society are encouraging the state department of health to review existing regulations and update them to reflect the changing medical environment with respect to ambulatory surgical facilities.
Statement attributable to Dr. Jitendra M. Desai, President, Pennsylvania Medical Society
Laser surgery to correct vision problems is a remarkable advancement in medicine that many patients have enjoyed in recent years. Traditionally, these procedures occur in a dedicated ambulatory surgical facility regulated by the state department of health. Historically, all regulations are intended to protect patients.
But, medicine is changing. And, sometimes it changes so fast that regulations become outdated and need to be reviewed. One such development is mobile laser surgery units. These units are beginning to travel throughout Pennsylvania, setting up shop in parking lots and other off-street locations to perform surgery out of the back of a truck.
While they provide a service that's in demand, members of the Pennsylvania Medical Society and the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology want to ensure the highest standards of patient safety. And, because these mobile units fall through the cracks in regulatory oversight, both organizations are alerting the Pennsylvania State Department of Health of the situation, and encouraging the state to explore regulation clarity and, if needed, seek modifications to ensure continued patient safety.
Once again please use caution and do your research before having Lasik Eye Surgery in a Lasik Mobile Surgery Unit.
Lasik University
Thank You
Lasik Counselor
<Lasik University
Statement attributable to Michael J. Azar, MD, President, Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology
Patient safety is the highest concern for members of the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology, and today, we join the efforts of the Pennsylvania Medical Society to raise awareness of a hole in the safety net for eye care.
In recent months, mobile truck units have traveled across Pennsylvania to perform laser eye surgery. This new development has the potential of serving the needs of patients. However, we are concerned that the current regulations regarding surgical facilities need to be updated to reflect the development of these on-the-road units. Unfortunately, when the regulations were written, the state had no way of knowing that someday laser eye surgery could be performed out of the back of a truck. As a result, these units roam freely in Pennsylvania without any oversight by the state's department of health.
Both, the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology and the Pennsylvania Medical Society are encouraging the state department of health to review existing regulations and update them to reflect the changing medical environment with respect to ambulatory surgical facilities.
Statement attributable to Dr. Jitendra M. Desai, President, Pennsylvania Medical Society
Laser surgery to correct vision problems is a remarkable advancement in medicine that many patients have enjoyed in recent years. Traditionally, these procedures occur in a dedicated ambulatory surgical facility regulated by the state department of health. Historically, all regulations are intended to protect patients.
But, medicine is changing. And, sometimes it changes so fast that regulations become outdated and need to be reviewed. One such development is mobile laser surgery units. These units are beginning to travel throughout Pennsylvania, setting up shop in parking lots and other off-street locations to perform surgery out of the back of a truck.
While they provide a service that's in demand, members of the Pennsylvania Medical Society and the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology want to ensure the highest standards of patient safety. And, because these mobile units fall through the cracks in regulatory oversight, both organizations are alerting the Pennsylvania State Department of Health of the situation, and encouraging the state to explore regulation clarity and, if needed, seek modifications to ensure continued patient safety.
Once again please use caution and do your research before having Lasik Eye Surgery in a Lasik Mobile Surgery Unit.
Lasik University
Thank You
Lasik Counselor
Lasik Article from a Lasik Insider
When it comes to researching Lasik it’s often hard to know where to begin.
Lasik University
This article will give you a brief outline on what to look for in a Lasik Doctor, what to look for in Lasik Technology and what to look for in a Lasik Pre and Post-Operative Care. I have been a Lasik Counselor for almost 4 years at one of the world’s largest Lasik Providers. I have had the opportunity to facilitate several thousand Lasik Eye Surgeries. I have talked with people across this nation and even some people overseas about their particular situations with their vision. What people need to know is that they need to research the actual Ophthalmologist who will be performing their Lasik Procedure very thoroughly. Many times the doctor you see for your pre-operative exam is not the doctor who will be operating on your precious eyes. You first need to find out how many Lasik procedures have actually been performed by the Doctor. You also need to find out how many of these procedures where conventional or traditional Lasik. You need to find out how many of these procedures where custom Lasik. You need to find out how many where alternative methods of Laser Vision Correction such as PRK, LTK, CK, epi-lasik, Lasek and others. Please make sure you research the educational credentials of the Doctor such as are they board certified? Is your Doctor certified by the Laser Manufacturer to operate the particular laser they want to use to correct your vision? You will also want to know what method the Doctor is going to use to create the corneal flap, which is the first step of the Lasik Procedure? Even Intra-Lasik or No-touch Lasik uses an Intralase Laser to create the corneal flap and then uses a spatula to scrap up the epithelia layer of cells. Please ask your Doctor if their medical license was issued in the same state where they are practicing? There are many doctors who will fly to many different states and perform lasik and they are not even licensed in that state. Make sure you have Lasik with a Doctor who resides at least a respectable distance from your home in case of emergencies or if Lasik Complications arise where you need to see the doctor immediately. Many patients find out the hard way that they may have to wait a couple of months to see the actual doctor who performed their Lasik Procedure. Do not make this mistake please.
The first questions I ask a potential Lasik patient would clear them from going any further into the Lasik inquiry process. I would ask are you pregnant or breast-feeding. If a woman were pregnant she would have to wait approximately 90 days before coming in for a Lasik Exam. If a woman is breastfeeding she will have to unfortunately wait 90 days after she stops the breastfeeding to come in for a Lasik Evaluation. The reason behind this is that hormone levels are changing in a pregnant woman’s body, which can cause vision fluctuations to occur giving unstable prescription readings to the doctor. If Lasik was performed on this type of patient they would probably end up having to come back in for an enhancement due to the fact their vision will probably change resulting in the need for a second Lasik Treatment. After clearing a potential patient of that issue I would inquire if the patient has had any previous eye surgery. If you have had previous eye procedures please inquire with your own doctor to see if he or she recommends pursuing Lasik Vision Correction. Usually Cataracts, Keratoconus and Keloid scarring will deem a patient a non-candidate for Lasik. Some patients with the early stages of cataracts may still be a Lasik candidate. If a patient has amblyopic which is also known as lazy eye there is a high chance they will be a non-candidate. However there are some Lasik Surgeons who will conduct Lasik on an Amblyopic patient. Once again please consult your own personal eye doctor for the best guidance for your particular vision situation. After clearing a patient of the most common vision disorders that would deem them a non-candidate I then try to pinpoint with the patient as to what there main vision problem actually is. I ask whether they have difficulty seeing distance where the are considered nearsighted or if they have problems seeing up close where they are considered either farsighted or presbyopic. If the patient answers back that yes they have a problem seeing up close I then know I need to determine whether or not they are either farsighted which is known as Hyperopic or if they have Presbyopia. The way I roughly determine is to whether or not is a problem with hyperopia or presbyopia is done in the following manner: First I ask the patient if the up close reading problem has been that way all of there life or if the up close problem had progressed over time. I ask the patient if they once had perfect vision. If the patient states that they once had perfect eyesight then most likely the patient may have presbyopia. Presbyopia is the natural wearing down of the muscle that focuses the cornea. As we all get older there is a chance we may need readers or cheaters to read up close. Lasik can correct for your distance vision and any astigmatism that you may have as long as your prescription falls within the range of what is approved by the FDA. There are really only a couple of options that can be done to correct the up close reading problem of presbyopia. Mono-Vision can be conducted where one eye is corrected for distance and the other eye for up-close. The two are melded together to form Mono-Vision. Some older people love Mono-Vision and some people can never become acclimated to this scenario. You will lose some depth perception with this procedure. The other is CK or Conductive Keratoplasty. This is just a more updated modernized version of Mono-Vision. CK uses RF Frequency witch are radio waves, which actually shrink or tighten the muscles that focus the cornea. This procedure will wear off or diminish over an average period of 5 to 7 years. Over time CK will have to be repeated to duplicate the original correction. There are also other alternative methods of correcting this old-age condition of presbyopia. There are certain lens implant procedures that can be done. Please check back to learn more on these methods of vision correction. After identifying one of these problems I then will inquire whether or not the patient may have astigmatism. There are different levels of astigmatism ranging from slight to a real high astigmatism. If a patient is myopic or nearsighted with no astigmatism this is usually the best type of Lasik Candidate and should achieve the best results after the Lasik Procedure. If the patient has a low to moderate astigmatism this also should be corrected with no major problems. If a person has a higher-level astigmatism they may be a candidate as long as their prescription falls within the level of FDA approval for treatment with the particular laser that will be used. It is also up to the Doctor whether or not he or she feels comfortable treating such a high level of astigmatism. There are many FDA approved excimer lasers out there. There are lasers that are specifically designed to treat high levels of astigmatism. The VISX Star 4 Eye tracker Laser, The Bausch and Lomb Technolas 217 A, The LadarVision Laser and The Allegretto Wavelight Laser are some of the powerful excimer lasers that can treat a high-complicated prescription. Sometimes a patient’s astigmatism is actually higher than the actual power of the prescription. This particular scenario would require one of these lasers. If patient is nearsighted with a positive astigmatism this is commonly known as a mixed astigmatism and would require a more advanced laser. Please visit www.LaserChoice.com to research Lasik Excimer Lasers approved by the FDA and other lasers used around the world for Laser Vision Correction.
The price for Lasik has been a hot topic over the past few years. There are many National Lasik Providers that advertise Lasik pricing from as low as $299 per eye. I can tell you that if you prescription is a nearsighted one and you do not have an astigmatism you have a great chance of getting a super price for the Lasik Procedure. Keep in mind Traditional or Conventional Lasik will be a lower costing procedure than the more advanced Custom Lasik Procedure. If you have a high prescription with astigmatism your price will probably be a little higher. If your prescription is hyperopic with astigmatism it will definitely be higher. The most expensive procedure is Custom Lasik and it’s even more expensive if you get the Intra-Lasik Custom Lasik done. This is the newest method of creating the corneal flap instead of your traditional Micro-keratome method. The microkeratome or Bausch and Lomb hansetome are hand held devices used to create the corneal flap in the first step of the Lasik Procedure. I will be going over the flap creation process with you. Many private single office Lasik providers will have much higher pricing due to the fact you will be receiving much more individual personalized care from the actual Lasik Doctor who will conducting your procedure. The cost of the laser will also come into play as well. Some National Lasik Chains will have great agreements with Laser Providers keeping the cost of the Lasik Key Cards Down. These are cards purchased for each eye or procedure from the Laser Manufacturer. This is how some Laser Companies get paid royalty fees for each patient. Nidek is a Japanese Laser provider which has FDA approved lasers that do not operate on this royalty key card system. Nidek sells their lasers outright with no royalty fees. This is why The Nidek EC 5000 is probably the world’s most poplular excimer laser. I would say the VISX laser is The United States most popular laser company. Please check back for the continuation of this article, it will be well worth it.
Lasik University
Lasik University
This article will give you a brief outline on what to look for in a Lasik Doctor, what to look for in Lasik Technology and what to look for in a Lasik Pre and Post-Operative Care. I have been a Lasik Counselor for almost 4 years at one of the world’s largest Lasik Providers. I have had the opportunity to facilitate several thousand Lasik Eye Surgeries. I have talked with people across this nation and even some people overseas about their particular situations with their vision. What people need to know is that they need to research the actual Ophthalmologist who will be performing their Lasik Procedure very thoroughly. Many times the doctor you see for your pre-operative exam is not the doctor who will be operating on your precious eyes. You first need to find out how many Lasik procedures have actually been performed by the Doctor. You also need to find out how many of these procedures where conventional or traditional Lasik. You need to find out how many of these procedures where custom Lasik. You need to find out how many where alternative methods of Laser Vision Correction such as PRK, LTK, CK, epi-lasik, Lasek and others. Please make sure you research the educational credentials of the Doctor such as are they board certified? Is your Doctor certified by the Laser Manufacturer to operate the particular laser they want to use to correct your vision? You will also want to know what method the Doctor is going to use to create the corneal flap, which is the first step of the Lasik Procedure? Even Intra-Lasik or No-touch Lasik uses an Intralase Laser to create the corneal flap and then uses a spatula to scrap up the epithelia layer of cells. Please ask your Doctor if their medical license was issued in the same state where they are practicing? There are many doctors who will fly to many different states and perform lasik and they are not even licensed in that state. Make sure you have Lasik with a Doctor who resides at least a respectable distance from your home in case of emergencies or if Lasik Complications arise where you need to see the doctor immediately. Many patients find out the hard way that they may have to wait a couple of months to see the actual doctor who performed their Lasik Procedure. Do not make this mistake please.
The first questions I ask a potential Lasik patient would clear them from going any further into the Lasik inquiry process. I would ask are you pregnant or breast-feeding. If a woman were pregnant she would have to wait approximately 90 days before coming in for a Lasik Exam. If a woman is breastfeeding she will have to unfortunately wait 90 days after she stops the breastfeeding to come in for a Lasik Evaluation. The reason behind this is that hormone levels are changing in a pregnant woman’s body, which can cause vision fluctuations to occur giving unstable prescription readings to the doctor. If Lasik was performed on this type of patient they would probably end up having to come back in for an enhancement due to the fact their vision will probably change resulting in the need for a second Lasik Treatment. After clearing a potential patient of that issue I would inquire if the patient has had any previous eye surgery. If you have had previous eye procedures please inquire with your own doctor to see if he or she recommends pursuing Lasik Vision Correction. Usually Cataracts, Keratoconus and Keloid scarring will deem a patient a non-candidate for Lasik. Some patients with the early stages of cataracts may still be a Lasik candidate. If a patient has amblyopic which is also known as lazy eye there is a high chance they will be a non-candidate. However there are some Lasik Surgeons who will conduct Lasik on an Amblyopic patient. Once again please consult your own personal eye doctor for the best guidance for your particular vision situation. After clearing a patient of the most common vision disorders that would deem them a non-candidate I then try to pinpoint with the patient as to what there main vision problem actually is. I ask whether they have difficulty seeing distance where the are considered nearsighted or if they have problems seeing up close where they are considered either farsighted or presbyopic. If the patient answers back that yes they have a problem seeing up close I then know I need to determine whether or not they are either farsighted which is known as Hyperopic or if they have Presbyopia. The way I roughly determine is to whether or not is a problem with hyperopia or presbyopia is done in the following manner: First I ask the patient if the up close reading problem has been that way all of there life or if the up close problem had progressed over time. I ask the patient if they once had perfect vision. If the patient states that they once had perfect eyesight then most likely the patient may have presbyopia. Presbyopia is the natural wearing down of the muscle that focuses the cornea. As we all get older there is a chance we may need readers or cheaters to read up close. Lasik can correct for your distance vision and any astigmatism that you may have as long as your prescription falls within the range of what is approved by the FDA. There are really only a couple of options that can be done to correct the up close reading problem of presbyopia. Mono-Vision can be conducted where one eye is corrected for distance and the other eye for up-close. The two are melded together to form Mono-Vision. Some older people love Mono-Vision and some people can never become acclimated to this scenario. You will lose some depth perception with this procedure. The other is CK or Conductive Keratoplasty. This is just a more updated modernized version of Mono-Vision. CK uses RF Frequency witch are radio waves, which actually shrink or tighten the muscles that focus the cornea. This procedure will wear off or diminish over an average period of 5 to 7 years. Over time CK will have to be repeated to duplicate the original correction. There are also other alternative methods of correcting this old-age condition of presbyopia. There are certain lens implant procedures that can be done. Please check back to learn more on these methods of vision correction. After identifying one of these problems I then will inquire whether or not the patient may have astigmatism. There are different levels of astigmatism ranging from slight to a real high astigmatism. If a patient is myopic or nearsighted with no astigmatism this is usually the best type of Lasik Candidate and should achieve the best results after the Lasik Procedure. If the patient has a low to moderate astigmatism this also should be corrected with no major problems. If a person has a higher-level astigmatism they may be a candidate as long as their prescription falls within the level of FDA approval for treatment with the particular laser that will be used. It is also up to the Doctor whether or not he or she feels comfortable treating such a high level of astigmatism. There are many FDA approved excimer lasers out there. There are lasers that are specifically designed to treat high levels of astigmatism. The VISX Star 4 Eye tracker Laser, The Bausch and Lomb Technolas 217 A, The LadarVision Laser and The Allegretto Wavelight Laser are some of the powerful excimer lasers that can treat a high-complicated prescription. Sometimes a patient’s astigmatism is actually higher than the actual power of the prescription. This particular scenario would require one of these lasers. If patient is nearsighted with a positive astigmatism this is commonly known as a mixed astigmatism and would require a more advanced laser. Please visit www.LaserChoice.com to research Lasik Excimer Lasers approved by the FDA and other lasers used around the world for Laser Vision Correction.
The price for Lasik has been a hot topic over the past few years. There are many National Lasik Providers that advertise Lasik pricing from as low as $299 per eye. I can tell you that if you prescription is a nearsighted one and you do not have an astigmatism you have a great chance of getting a super price for the Lasik Procedure. Keep in mind Traditional or Conventional Lasik will be a lower costing procedure than the more advanced Custom Lasik Procedure. If you have a high prescription with astigmatism your price will probably be a little higher. If your prescription is hyperopic with astigmatism it will definitely be higher. The most expensive procedure is Custom Lasik and it’s even more expensive if you get the Intra-Lasik Custom Lasik done. This is the newest method of creating the corneal flap instead of your traditional Micro-keratome method. The microkeratome or Bausch and Lomb hansetome are hand held devices used to create the corneal flap in the first step of the Lasik Procedure. I will be going over the flap creation process with you. Many private single office Lasik providers will have much higher pricing due to the fact you will be receiving much more individual personalized care from the actual Lasik Doctor who will conducting your procedure. The cost of the laser will also come into play as well. Some National Lasik Chains will have great agreements with Laser Providers keeping the cost of the Lasik Key Cards Down. These are cards purchased for each eye or procedure from the Laser Manufacturer. This is how some Laser Companies get paid royalty fees for each patient. Nidek is a Japanese Laser provider which has FDA approved lasers that do not operate on this royalty key card system. Nidek sells their lasers outright with no royalty fees. This is why The Nidek EC 5000 is probably the world’s most poplular excimer laser. I would say the VISX laser is The United States most popular laser company. Please check back for the continuation of this article, it will be well worth it.
Lasik University
What should you expect from a Lasik Consultation?
What happens at a Lasik Consultation?
Lasik University
Hi Folks, let me give you a brief overview of what actually will take place as you arrive for a free lasik consultation. Really the Lasik consultation is a chance for you the potential lasik patient to get a feel for the center you are visiting. The appointment usually lasts from 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy that particular center is that day. Some centers will keep to an organized spaced out schedule where each potential lasik patient is seen on time while other centers will have a waiting room jam packed full of people who will sometimes wait up to over 1 hour to be seen by a patient counselor. It is not uncommon to also have customers walk out due to really long wait times.
When your name is called you will meet with a Patient Counselor who really is a salesperson. On your first visit you will almost never meet with a Doctor so don't be fooled into thinking a patient counselor is a doctor. Patient Counselors have almost no medical training. They are trained by Center Managers who train them to sell the Lasik Procedure to any candidate. (not yet complete, please check back
soon)
Lasik University
Lasik University
Hi Folks, let me give you a brief overview of what actually will take place as you arrive for a free lasik consultation. Really the Lasik consultation is a chance for you the potential lasik patient to get a feel for the center you are visiting. The appointment usually lasts from 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy that particular center is that day. Some centers will keep to an organized spaced out schedule where each potential lasik patient is seen on time while other centers will have a waiting room jam packed full of people who will sometimes wait up to over 1 hour to be seen by a patient counselor. It is not uncommon to also have customers walk out due to really long wait times.
When your name is called you will meet with a Patient Counselor who really is a salesperson. On your first visit you will almost never meet with a Doctor so don't be fooled into thinking a patient counselor is a doctor. Patient Counselors have almost no medical training. They are trained by Center Managers who train them to sell the Lasik Procedure to any candidate. (not yet complete, please check back
soon)
Lasik University
Lumenis Announces that the ALLEGRETTO WAVE Excimer Laser Receives FDA Clearance
Hi Allegretto Wavelight Excimer Laser System Researchers. Here is an Article from the Lumenis Company who is the sole distributor of The Allegretto Wavelight Excimer Laser System in the United States of America. It is an old article from 2003 but will be helpful in your research of what Excimer Laser will be the best for you. If I ever had to have lasik it would be with The Allegretto Wavelight Excimer Laser. I bought stock in Lumenis as soon as I read this and it has been going up ever since.
Lasik University
Enjoy the news release and happy researching!
First refractive laser to be granted concurrent approvals for myopia and hyperopia in the United States
<Lasik University
October 21, 2003 - YOKNEAM, Israel
LumenisTM Ltd. (Nasdaq: LUME) announced today that their strategic partner WaveLight Laser Technologie AG of Erlangen, Germany received marketing clearance for the ALLEGRETTO WAVETM Excimer Laser which provides treatment of myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness) from the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). The ALLEGRETTO WAVE is the first refractive laser to receive clearance for both indications with treatment ranges for myopia of up to –12 diopters and with astigmatism of up to –6 diopters. The approval for hyperopia was granted for up to +6 diopters and with astigmatism of up to +5 diopters, not exceeding a mean spherical equivalent of +6 diopters.
“Lumenis is pleased to extend its 30-year track record of pioneering groundbreaking laser systems to the ophthalmic industry by delivering the next generation of refractive technology to the U.S. market,” said Avner Raz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lumenis. “The excellent performance and results demonstrated in FDA clinical studies we attribute to the laser’s unique ablation profile, which has the capability to achieve unparalleled clinical results in standard LASIK procedures. We believe that the ALLEGRETTO WAVE system will set a new benchmark for standard LASIK treatment in the United States and meets our goal of providing physicians with the highest quality laser products in the marketplace.”
“The FDA approval for the ALLEGRETTO WAVE is the most important milestone that we have reached this year and one of the most important ones in our overall company history. The entire team at WaveLight has devoted tremendous time and effort to make this happen,” stated Max Reindl, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of WaveLight Laser Technologie AG, in an earlier press release.
Lumenis will be the exclusive sales agent in the U.S. responsible for all sales, marketing and field service efforts required to support the ALLEGRETTO WAVE in the U.S. market, in accordance with an exclusive representative agreement with WaveLight Laser Technologie AG. Discussions are continuing regarding licensing arrangements covering the sale of the ALLEGRETTO WAVE in the United States
The existing partnership between Lumenis and WaveLight Laser Technologie AG has successfully captured significant market share of global refractive sales outside the U.S. over the last two years. FDA clearance will allow ophthalmologists to access the German-engineered laser for the first time in the United States, the world’s largest refractive surgery market.
Clinical studies evaluated by the FDA involved treating over 800 eyes with myopia and 290 eyes with hyperopia for refractive vision correction with the ALLEGRETTO WAVE at 11 U.S. clinical sites. The laser will be officially launched at this year’s annual American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting, the largest professional conference for ophthalmologists and medical doctors for eye treatments, in Anaheim, California next month.
About WaveLight Laser Technologie AG
WaveLight Laser Technologie AG, noted since January 2003 in the Prime Standard of the German Stock Exchange, develops, produces and distributes laser systems in the field of ophthalmology, aesthetic and urology as well as industrial processing. The innovative and technologically advanced laser systems in conjunction with a broad network of distribution channels and partners are the foundation of the market success of WaveLight. Just five years after entering the market in 1996, WaveLight managed to achieve a positive business result. In the fiscal year 2002/2003 WaveLight reached revenues of 47.8 Million Euros and an EBIT of 4.4. Million Euros.
Further information about WaveLight can be found at www.wavelight-laser.com
About Lumenis
Lumenis develops, manufactures, and markets state-of-the-art proprietary laser and intense pulsed light devices. Its systems are used in a variety of aesthetic, ophthalmic, surgical and dental applications, including skin treatments, hair removal, non-invasive treatment of vascular lesions and pigmented lesions, acne, psoriasis, ENT, gynecology, urinary lithotripsy, benign prostatic hyperplasia, open angle glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, secondary cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, vision correction, neurosurgery, dentistry and veterinary. For more information about the Company and its products log on to www.lumenis.com
If you would like to conduct more research on The Allegretto Wavelight Laser then please visit Laser Choice
Lasik University
Lasik University
Enjoy the news release and happy researching!
First refractive laser to be granted concurrent approvals for myopia and hyperopia in the United States
<Lasik University
October 21, 2003 - YOKNEAM, Israel
LumenisTM Ltd. (Nasdaq: LUME) announced today that their strategic partner WaveLight Laser Technologie AG of Erlangen, Germany received marketing clearance for the ALLEGRETTO WAVETM Excimer Laser which provides treatment of myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness) from the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”). The ALLEGRETTO WAVE is the first refractive laser to receive clearance for both indications with treatment ranges for myopia of up to –12 diopters and with astigmatism of up to –6 diopters. The approval for hyperopia was granted for up to +6 diopters and with astigmatism of up to +5 diopters, not exceeding a mean spherical equivalent of +6 diopters.
“Lumenis is pleased to extend its 30-year track record of pioneering groundbreaking laser systems to the ophthalmic industry by delivering the next generation of refractive technology to the U.S. market,” said Avner Raz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lumenis. “The excellent performance and results demonstrated in FDA clinical studies we attribute to the laser’s unique ablation profile, which has the capability to achieve unparalleled clinical results in standard LASIK procedures. We believe that the ALLEGRETTO WAVE system will set a new benchmark for standard LASIK treatment in the United States and meets our goal of providing physicians with the highest quality laser products in the marketplace.”
“The FDA approval for the ALLEGRETTO WAVE is the most important milestone that we have reached this year and one of the most important ones in our overall company history. The entire team at WaveLight has devoted tremendous time and effort to make this happen,” stated Max Reindl, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of WaveLight Laser Technologie AG, in an earlier press release.
Lumenis will be the exclusive sales agent in the U.S. responsible for all sales, marketing and field service efforts required to support the ALLEGRETTO WAVE in the U.S. market, in accordance with an exclusive representative agreement with WaveLight Laser Technologie AG. Discussions are continuing regarding licensing arrangements covering the sale of the ALLEGRETTO WAVE in the United States
The existing partnership between Lumenis and WaveLight Laser Technologie AG has successfully captured significant market share of global refractive sales outside the U.S. over the last two years. FDA clearance will allow ophthalmologists to access the German-engineered laser for the first time in the United States, the world’s largest refractive surgery market.
Clinical studies evaluated by the FDA involved treating over 800 eyes with myopia and 290 eyes with hyperopia for refractive vision correction with the ALLEGRETTO WAVE at 11 U.S. clinical sites. The laser will be officially launched at this year’s annual American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting, the largest professional conference for ophthalmologists and medical doctors for eye treatments, in Anaheim, California next month.
About WaveLight Laser Technologie AG
WaveLight Laser Technologie AG, noted since January 2003 in the Prime Standard of the German Stock Exchange, develops, produces and distributes laser systems in the field of ophthalmology, aesthetic and urology as well as industrial processing. The innovative and technologically advanced laser systems in conjunction with a broad network of distribution channels and partners are the foundation of the market success of WaveLight. Just five years after entering the market in 1996, WaveLight managed to achieve a positive business result. In the fiscal year 2002/2003 WaveLight reached revenues of 47.8 Million Euros and an EBIT of 4.4. Million Euros.
Further information about WaveLight can be found at www.wavelight-laser.com
About Lumenis
Lumenis develops, manufactures, and markets state-of-the-art proprietary laser and intense pulsed light devices. Its systems are used in a variety of aesthetic, ophthalmic, surgical and dental applications, including skin treatments, hair removal, non-invasive treatment of vascular lesions and pigmented lesions, acne, psoriasis, ENT, gynecology, urinary lithotripsy, benign prostatic hyperplasia, open angle glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, secondary cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, vision correction, neurosurgery, dentistry and veterinary. For more information about the Company and its products log on to www.lumenis.com
If you would like to conduct more research on The Allegretto Wavelight Laser then please visit Laser Choice
Lasik University
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