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
The FDA approved correction parameters for The Allegretto Wavelight Excimer Laser System!
Hi potential Lasik patients, Here are the FDA approved correction parameters for The Allegretto Wavelight Excimer Laser System. I recommend The Allegretto Wavelight Excimer Laser System.
<Lasik University
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.
Thank You,
The Lasik Counselor
Lasik University
<Lasik University
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.
Thank You,
The Lasik Counselor
Lasik University
New Allegretto Wavelight Excimer Laser shows good results for hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism!
Dear folks, if you are interested in Lasik please research the Allegretto Wavelight Excimer Laser. It is super fast and compensates for periphial vision.
Lasik University
The Allegretto excimer laser (WaveLight Laser Technologie, Erlangen, Germany) improves refractive predictability and enhances the outcome of LASIK, based on the results of a recently completed trial of the laser system in patients with myopia and myopic astigmatism, said Karl G. Stonecipher, MD.
Dr. Stonecipher
The laser received FDA approval in early October and is being marketed in the United States by Lumenis. It is approved for myopic LASIK up to 12 D of spheroequivalent (SE) and up to 6 D of cylinder as well as for hyperopic LASIK up to 6 D SE and 5 D of cylinder.
"If you end up at -1 D, it doesn't matter how many higher-order aberrations you get rid of, the patient is still seeing 20/40 and is not happy. Refractive spherocylinder outcomes must be correct," said Dr. Stonecipher, director, Southeastern Laser and Refractive Surgery Center, Greensboro, NC.
He noted that most higher-order aberrations exist in the peripheral cornea, an area that some aberrometer systems cannot image and therefore cannot treat, and that most lasers are inaccurate in the periphery. However, higher-order aberrations contribute little to most preoperative refractive errors, and attention should be directed instead to induced aberrations, particularly spherical aberrations.
"Minimizing induced spherical aberration will accomplish more than chasing small higher-order errors," said Dr. Stonecipher, a member of the WaveLight investigative group. "If we can develop a laser that will eliminate certain postoperative problems such as spherical aberration, then maybe wavefront-optimized LASIK is as good as custom LASIK."
Designed for custom ablationThe Allegretto is a flying-spot laser designed specifically for custom ablation. It has a Gaussian beam with a diameter of 0.95 mm and a tracker with a 6-ms response time. This wavefront-optimized system addresses the problem of iatrogenically induced spherical aberrations by changing the ablation profile to minimize these aberrations and adding more spots to the peripheral ablation, Dr. Stonecipher said. The laser also compensates for beam ovalization and beam reflection.
Final, 1-year myopia results of the FDA trial of the Allegretto showed that the manifest refractive predictability of all eyes ²-7 D of correction was 86% within ±0.5 D of intended correction. One-year results for 602 eyes out of 700 with ²-7 D, from an original cohort of 813, also showed a statistically significant decrease in glare and an improvement in night-driving scores when results of postoperative questionnaires were compared with responses from preoperative interviews.
Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) results showed that 88.6% of eyes achieved 20/20 vision, while 61.7% had reached 20/16, and 25% were at 20/12. For best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), three of 700 eyes (0.43%) had lost 2 lines, although no eyes lost more than that. A gain of one line or more was noted in 437 eyes.
"The high rate of improved BSCVA is a really important statistic because other lasers, even with wavefront, don't show as much gain in BSCVA," said Guy Kezirian, MD, FACS, president of SurgiVision Consultants Inc., Westlake Village, CA, which was the sponsor of WaveLight's FDA trials. "One of the things that really distinguishes this laser is the fact that eyes improved their best-corrected acuity after surgery."
Results of patient surveys also suggest that patients experienced a significant reduction in glare and fewer night-vision problems following surgery with the Allegretto laser.
On a scale of 1 to 10, patients rated their level of glare at 3.2 when measured 6 months after surgery, compared with 4.1 preoperatively and 3.4 at 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.001).
Fewer night-driving problemsThere was also a statistically significant reduction in problems reported with night-driving vision. On a scale of 1 to 10, with one being no glare and 10 being significant glare, the mean dropped from 3.7 preoperatively to 3.1 at both 3 and 6 months postoperatively (p <0.001).
"Overall, improved glare and night-vision scores were seen with the WaveLight Allegretto laser, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). However, not all eyes improved, especially those that experienced residual refractive error after surgery (p < 0.01). Pupil size correlated with worsened glare and night vision if there was residual refractive error," Dr. Kezirian said. "In eyes with a plano outcome, however, pupil size did not correlate with glare or night-driving scores. These data suggest that correction of residual refractive errors, even when the amounts are small, may result in improved glare and night vision in symptomatic patients."
Dr. Stonecipher presented results from the trial at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting earlier this year; he and Dr. Kezirian subsequently provided final results to Ophthalmology Times.
Drs. Stonecipher and Kezirian also compared standard or classic LASIK, based on manifest refraction; wavefront-optimized LASIK, featuring Allegretto optimized profiles with treatment based on manifest refraction; and custom or aberrometer-based LASIK, as performed by the LADARVision excimer laser (Alcon) and the Star S4 excimer laser system (VISX). They used FDA studies of the same design to perform the comparison and limited comparisons with eyes in the same range, using 3-month data.
"Allegretto's wavefront-optimized results compared favorably with custom treatments with LADARVision and VISX for visual acuity, refractive results, and improvement in BSCVA," Dr. Stonecipher said. Comparison of aberrations could not be made since the WaveLight studies did not include these measurements.
"BSCVA results showed that 55% of eyes treated with phoropter-based wavefront-optimized ablations with the Allegretto laser gained 1 or more lines of visual acuity. With the VISX laser, 53% treated based on aberrometry (wavefront) gained 1 letter or more-a rate that is lower than the Allegretto rate for 1 line or more," Dr. Kezirian said. "With the LADARVision laser wavefront treatments, the rate for 1 line or more improvement was 31%."
Among eyes that stayed the same or gained BSCVA, Allegretto (93%) was better than VISX (89%) and LADARVision (84%). No patients treated with the VISX laser lost 2 or more lines; 0.9% of eyes treated with Allegretto lost 2 or more lines, as did 1.4% treated with the LADARVision laser.
Thank you for reading this article, We hope you enjoyed it.
Lasik Counselor
Lasik University
Lasik University
The Allegretto excimer laser (WaveLight Laser Technologie, Erlangen, Germany) improves refractive predictability and enhances the outcome of LASIK, based on the results of a recently completed trial of the laser system in patients with myopia and myopic astigmatism, said Karl G. Stonecipher, MD.
Dr. Stonecipher
The laser received FDA approval in early October and is being marketed in the United States by Lumenis. It is approved for myopic LASIK up to 12 D of spheroequivalent (SE) and up to 6 D of cylinder as well as for hyperopic LASIK up to 6 D SE and 5 D of cylinder.
"If you end up at -1 D, it doesn't matter how many higher-order aberrations you get rid of, the patient is still seeing 20/40 and is not happy. Refractive spherocylinder outcomes must be correct," said Dr. Stonecipher, director, Southeastern Laser and Refractive Surgery Center, Greensboro, NC.
He noted that most higher-order aberrations exist in the peripheral cornea, an area that some aberrometer systems cannot image and therefore cannot treat, and that most lasers are inaccurate in the periphery. However, higher-order aberrations contribute little to most preoperative refractive errors, and attention should be directed instead to induced aberrations, particularly spherical aberrations.
"Minimizing induced spherical aberration will accomplish more than chasing small higher-order errors," said Dr. Stonecipher, a member of the WaveLight investigative group. "If we can develop a laser that will eliminate certain postoperative problems such as spherical aberration, then maybe wavefront-optimized LASIK is as good as custom LASIK."
Designed for custom ablationThe Allegretto is a flying-spot laser designed specifically for custom ablation. It has a Gaussian beam with a diameter of 0.95 mm and a tracker with a 6-ms response time. This wavefront-optimized system addresses the problem of iatrogenically induced spherical aberrations by changing the ablation profile to minimize these aberrations and adding more spots to the peripheral ablation, Dr. Stonecipher said. The laser also compensates for beam ovalization and beam reflection.
Final, 1-year myopia results of the FDA trial of the Allegretto showed that the manifest refractive predictability of all eyes ²-7 D of correction was 86% within ±0.5 D of intended correction. One-year results for 602 eyes out of 700 with ²-7 D, from an original cohort of 813, also showed a statistically significant decrease in glare and an improvement in night-driving scores when results of postoperative questionnaires were compared with responses from preoperative interviews.
Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) results showed that 88.6% of eyes achieved 20/20 vision, while 61.7% had reached 20/16, and 25% were at 20/12. For best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), three of 700 eyes (0.43%) had lost 2 lines, although no eyes lost more than that. A gain of one line or more was noted in 437 eyes.
"The high rate of improved BSCVA is a really important statistic because other lasers, even with wavefront, don't show as much gain in BSCVA," said Guy Kezirian, MD, FACS, president of SurgiVision Consultants Inc., Westlake Village, CA, which was the sponsor of WaveLight's FDA trials. "One of the things that really distinguishes this laser is the fact that eyes improved their best-corrected acuity after surgery."
Results of patient surveys also suggest that patients experienced a significant reduction in glare and fewer night-vision problems following surgery with the Allegretto laser.
On a scale of 1 to 10, patients rated their level of glare at 3.2 when measured 6 months after surgery, compared with 4.1 preoperatively and 3.4 at 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.001).
Fewer night-driving problemsThere was also a statistically significant reduction in problems reported with night-driving vision. On a scale of 1 to 10, with one being no glare and 10 being significant glare, the mean dropped from 3.7 preoperatively to 3.1 at both 3 and 6 months postoperatively (p <0.001).
"Overall, improved glare and night-vision scores were seen with the WaveLight Allegretto laser, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). However, not all eyes improved, especially those that experienced residual refractive error after surgery (p < 0.01). Pupil size correlated with worsened glare and night vision if there was residual refractive error," Dr. Kezirian said. "In eyes with a plano outcome, however, pupil size did not correlate with glare or night-driving scores. These data suggest that correction of residual refractive errors, even when the amounts are small, may result in improved glare and night vision in symptomatic patients."
Dr. Stonecipher presented results from the trial at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting earlier this year; he and Dr. Kezirian subsequently provided final results to Ophthalmology Times.
Drs. Stonecipher and Kezirian also compared standard or classic LASIK, based on manifest refraction; wavefront-optimized LASIK, featuring Allegretto optimized profiles with treatment based on manifest refraction; and custom or aberrometer-based LASIK, as performed by the LADARVision excimer laser (Alcon) and the Star S4 excimer laser system (VISX). They used FDA studies of the same design to perform the comparison and limited comparisons with eyes in the same range, using 3-month data.
"Allegretto's wavefront-optimized results compared favorably with custom treatments with LADARVision and VISX for visual acuity, refractive results, and improvement in BSCVA," Dr. Stonecipher said. Comparison of aberrations could not be made since the WaveLight studies did not include these measurements.
"BSCVA results showed that 55% of eyes treated with phoropter-based wavefront-optimized ablations with the Allegretto laser gained 1 or more lines of visual acuity. With the VISX laser, 53% treated based on aberrometry (wavefront) gained 1 letter or more-a rate that is lower than the Allegretto rate for 1 line or more," Dr. Kezirian said. "With the LADARVision laser wavefront treatments, the rate for 1 line or more improvement was 31%."
Among eyes that stayed the same or gained BSCVA, Allegretto (93%) was better than VISX (89%) and LADARVision (84%). No patients treated with the VISX laser lost 2 or more lines; 0.9% of eyes treated with Allegretto lost 2 or more lines, as did 1.4% treated with the LADARVision laser.
Thank you for reading this article, We hope you enjoyed it.
Lasik Counselor
Lasik University
How to Choose a Great Lasik Surgeon
Custom Wavefront Lasik...VISX Star S4 excimer laser...Free Consultation...Lasik Specialist... Where do you start when choosing a Lasik surgeon for your eyes? For example in Sacramento, California, there are 18 Lasik Surgeons, 8 Lasik Centers, 4 Different types of lasers for Lasik surgery. How do you know where to go? How do you decide what doctor to see?
Lasik University
Lasik surgery is performed on approximately one million eyes every year in the world. There are more than five thousand surgeons who perform Lasik surgery. How do you find a truly great laser eye surgeon for your pair of nearsighted or farsighted eye? And, of course, there's always astigmatism...
A good place to start is the nature of the laser vision doctor who will be performing the operation on the only pair of eyes you have. Meet the Lasik surgeon for a free consultation and talk to him/her for a few minutes. Is this someone who treats you
Lasik Surgeon Checklist
# Lasik Cases by Surgeon 500+
% Enhancements 5-10%
Can you talk to past patients? Yes
Complications? Few; none serious
Wavefront Custom Lasik? Yes
20/20 or better 90+%
Who does the measurements Surgeon
Accessibility of Lasik Surgeon Personal telephone number
Postoperative Care Surgeon
Duration of Care Unlimited
Free Lasik Consultation? Yes
Price of Surgery $1500-$2500 per eye
Price of Enhancments Minimal
Price of Plugs Free
printable version
as a unique individual with your own special visual needs? Is this someone who lets you ask your questions and answers them in specifics? Is this someone you feel comfortable with?
Investigate the results of the Lasik surgeon. It is important that he/she has done a minimum of 500 cases – experience counts! Have the results of the surgeries resulted in more than 90% of the patients seeing 20/20 or better? Does the surgeon need to do an enhancement surgery in more than 10% of the cases? Are the patients happy? Can you call or email some of the past patients to see what the procedure was like? What kind of complications has the surgeon experienced? Anything serious? All surgeons have had a few minor complications, so this question may be a test of character.
What kind of surgery will you be having? Custom Wavefront is truly the state of the art procedure. Traditional Lasik began in 1989 and usually results in an 80% chance of seeing 20/20 for nearsighted persons; Wavefront Lasik was approved in 2003 and allows up to a 98% chance of 20/20 for nearsighted person. Everyone who qualifies for the Custom Wavefront Lasik should have it (it also improves night vision and reduces glare.) It is a little more expensive (the laser companies recoup their research money) but it’s worth it.
Who does the measurements and the Custom Wavefront calculations? Is it the Lasik surgeon or a technician whose degree of training may be quite variable? This data is used to treat your eye. It is critical that its gathering and its entry be 100% accurate.
And, the follow-up after surgery… How accessible is the Lasik surgeon? Do you have a cell phone number? A home telephone number? Does the surgeon even live in the community or is he/she doing surgery in another city or state the next day?
It is essential to see the surgeon the day after surgery. It’s unlikely but sometimes flaps need to be adjusted or irrigated – only the Lasik surgeon can do that! And can you see the surgeon on a regular basis after surgery or are you ‘cut off’ after three months or so?
Last of all, the price. Is it worthwhile to cut corners here? The average price in Sacramento is $2,000 per eye which should get you Traditional or Custom Wavefront Lasik. That’s what most people end up paying, even when they bring in the ad that says “$394 per eye”. You get what you pay for…
Lasik University
Lasik University
Lasik surgery is performed on approximately one million eyes every year in the world. There are more than five thousand surgeons who perform Lasik surgery. How do you find a truly great laser eye surgeon for your pair of nearsighted or farsighted eye? And, of course, there's always astigmatism...
A good place to start is the nature of the laser vision doctor who will be performing the operation on the only pair of eyes you have. Meet the Lasik surgeon for a free consultation and talk to him/her for a few minutes. Is this someone who treats you
Lasik Surgeon Checklist
# Lasik Cases by Surgeon 500+
% Enhancements 5-10%
Can you talk to past patients? Yes
Complications? Few; none serious
Wavefront Custom Lasik? Yes
20/20 or better 90+%
Who does the measurements Surgeon
Accessibility of Lasik Surgeon Personal telephone number
Postoperative Care Surgeon
Duration of Care Unlimited
Free Lasik Consultation? Yes
Price of Surgery $1500-$2500 per eye
Price of Enhancments Minimal
Price of Plugs Free
printable version
as a unique individual with your own special visual needs? Is this someone who lets you ask your questions and answers them in specifics? Is this someone you feel comfortable with?
Investigate the results of the Lasik surgeon. It is important that he/she has done a minimum of 500 cases – experience counts! Have the results of the surgeries resulted in more than 90% of the patients seeing 20/20 or better? Does the surgeon need to do an enhancement surgery in more than 10% of the cases? Are the patients happy? Can you call or email some of the past patients to see what the procedure was like? What kind of complications has the surgeon experienced? Anything serious? All surgeons have had a few minor complications, so this question may be a test of character.
What kind of surgery will you be having? Custom Wavefront is truly the state of the art procedure. Traditional Lasik began in 1989 and usually results in an 80% chance of seeing 20/20 for nearsighted persons; Wavefront Lasik was approved in 2003 and allows up to a 98% chance of 20/20 for nearsighted person. Everyone who qualifies for the Custom Wavefront Lasik should have it (it also improves night vision and reduces glare.) It is a little more expensive (the laser companies recoup their research money) but it’s worth it.
Who does the measurements and the Custom Wavefront calculations? Is it the Lasik surgeon or a technician whose degree of training may be quite variable? This data is used to treat your eye. It is critical that its gathering and its entry be 100% accurate.
And, the follow-up after surgery… How accessible is the Lasik surgeon? Do you have a cell phone number? A home telephone number? Does the surgeon even live in the community or is he/she doing surgery in another city or state the next day?
It is essential to see the surgeon the day after surgery. It’s unlikely but sometimes flaps need to be adjusted or irrigated – only the Lasik surgeon can do that! And can you see the surgeon on a regular basis after surgery or are you ‘cut off’ after three months or so?
Last of all, the price. Is it worthwhile to cut corners here? The average price in Sacramento is $2,000 per eye which should get you Traditional or Custom Wavefront Lasik. That’s what most people end up paying, even when they bring in the ad that says “$394 per eye”. You get what you pay for…
Lasik University
The State of the Refractive Surgery Industry (Read this Article!)
Hi Folks, this is a great article from the President and Ceo of Advanced Medical Optics also the owner of the VISX Laser. (enjoy)
Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik
Lasik Links
James V. Mazzo, President & CEO, Advanced Medical Optics
The past year ushered in tremendous growth and excitement in the refractive surgery industry, led by new technologies and reimbursement changes that are providing doctors and patients with an increasing number of options for quality vision treatment.
The landmark event of 2005 was the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) ruling that allowed Medicare patients to pay a premium to receive a presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens (IOL). This spurred tremendous interest in new refractive IOLs launched by AMO and others. On the laser vision correction front, the global markets continued to exhibit growth, driven by new technologies and expanded treatment ranges. Industry consolidation also continued in 2005, marked by AMO's mid-year acquisition of VISX, Incorporated, the world leader in laser vision correction.
Laser Vision Correction Procedure Growth
Procedure volume for laser vision correction in the USA grew in 2005, although not at quite the rate of the previous year. In 2004, however, growth was based on a comparison against 2003, which was a slow year. Also, in 2004, FDA approvals for wavefront-guided custom LASIK energized the industry. This helped drive a significant shift in 2005 in the mix of refractive procedures, with custom accounting for about half of all procedures in the USA. Other exciting developments included the release of sophisticated iris registration technology, which allows surgeons to achieve a new level of precision in LASIK treatment alignment.
Outside the USA, laser vision correction growth was also positive. AMO is helping to drive this growth by leveraging our large global cataract structure to grow the laser vision correction platform in select markets of Asia Pacific, Europe, and Japan. These are markets poised for significant growth in overall volume and the proportion of custom procedures as international surgeons become more familiar with the clinical benefits of wavefront-guided technologies.
The Outlook for Laser Vision Correction
The future is bright for the laser vision correction market. Manufacturers continue to develop new technologies and seek expanded treatment ranges, providing surgeons with an increasing number of options to offer patients and the ability to achieve optimal outcomes. At AMO, we are focusing our resources on seeking LASIK approval for the treatment of presbyopia in mid and low hyperopes, as well as low myopes. This could ultimately give surgeons an important tool for helping the massive baby boomer population- some 76 million strong in the US alone and known for reshaping habits, styles, and attitudes towards aging -find viable alternatives to reading glasses and bifocals.
The femtosecond laser will certainly play an important role in the future of refractive surgery. Not only has this technology filled a medical and marketing need with all-laser- LASIK, but it could also help usher in use of corneal inlays.
The mechanical microkeratome also continues to play an important role in the growth of refractive surgery. These have advanced markedly in recent years and offer standard deviations that rival laser flaps. In addition, epi-LASIK features offer increased flexibility to surgeons, allowing them to make either stromal cuts, as in traditional LASIK, or lift off the epithelium and ablate on Bowmans membrane. Again, what we see is the technology expanding options for patients and surgeons.
Emergence of Refractive IOLs
In the past, cataract patients may have been satisfied if their surgery gave them distance vision unimpaired by cataracts. After surgery, they were happy to get on with life in low-power bi- or trifocals. However, today's seniors are more active, and are looking to regain the functional vision they enjoyed when they were younger and less dependent on eyeglasses. This patient need is driving the convergence of refractive and cataract surgery.
The refractive IOL market is still in its infancy but is set for explosive growth with the CMS ruling. This is giving millions of cataract patients access to presbyopia-correcting IOLs and powering a swifter migration of cataract surgeons to refractive procedures. For example, at a recent continuing education symposium at the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 42% of the nearly 600 doctors in attendance expected between 5% and 20% of their 2006 lens implants to be multifocal IOLs. Another 24% expected multifocal IOLs to represent between 21% and 50% of their implants. These responses are a clear indication of how quickly this refractive IOL market is developing.
Movement to refractive implants is also changing the doctor/patient dynamic by shifting the focus of the discussion to one of lifestyle. Doctors are spending more time with patients to ascertain how patients spend their time, whether they are avid readers, tennis players, or frequent computer users. This is important because one IOL design may be better for near vision, while another may provide better intermediate or distance vision. All this information is essential in order for the surgeon to select the specific refractive technology, or blend of technologies, that will result in the best possible outcome for that patient.
In addition, surgeons interested in adopting refractive IOLs are reevaluating their office staffing and setup to make sure they are properly positioned to educate and interact with a private-pay patient who expects a high level of personalized service.
Future of Refractive IOLs
Patient needs will continue to drive the refractive IOL market forward. Today's multifocal IOLs represent a big step forward in this evolution, but they are only the beginning. AMO and various other industry players are dedicating significant R&D resources to deliver improved IOL designs, including accommodating lenses that mimic the normal focusing movement of the natural lens and customized IOLs, which can be tailored precisely to an individual patient's specific needs.
Capturing the Presbyopic Emmetrope
Another trend to watch is the development of surgical treatments for the presbyopic emmetrope. This is a massive segment of the population that has received little attention from refractive surgery to date. However, as an industry, we are moving closer to the time when managing presbyopia surgically will be a routine procedure. Some of the options include multifocal ablation technology, conductive keratoplasty, multifocal IOLs, accommodating IOLs, and corneal inlays.
Looking Forward
This is an exciting time for refractive surgery, as new technologies are reshaping the market and providing doctors with innovations to address a full range of patients' vision care needs. The population continues to age and roughly 60% of the world has some form of refractive error. The vast majority of this vision-corrected population still relies on eyeglasses or contact lenses, with roughly 3% opting for refractive surgical procedures to date. People are motivated to have refractive surgery and willing to pay for the procedures because freedom from eyeglasses not only improves their physical appearance, but it also enhances the quality and convenience of their daily lives.
The refractive industry is a healthy one, made up of large, global companies offering large product portfolios, and smaller players specializing in single-product technologies.
Some of these companies include AMO, Alcon, Bausch & Lomb, Eyeonics, and Intralase. Combined, these companies have increased spending on research and development by roughly 20% in absolute dollars over the past 2 years. AMO has increased its R&D spending by about 50% over the past 3 years alone. These numbers speak well to the vitality of the industry and will lead to many new advancements and opportunities. Most of all, it bodes well for the doctors and the patients they serve.
Well I hope you enjoyed this article, please check back as I will keep you all posted on more Lasik Industry news. I will keep all of you as up to date on the upcoming technology as possible. Please visit www.lasik.fm to "Logon, Listen and Learn about Lasik" Take Care
Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik
Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik
Lasik Links
James V. Mazzo, President & CEO, Advanced Medical Optics
The past year ushered in tremendous growth and excitement in the refractive surgery industry, led by new technologies and reimbursement changes that are providing doctors and patients with an increasing number of options for quality vision treatment.
The landmark event of 2005 was the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) ruling that allowed Medicare patients to pay a premium to receive a presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens (IOL). This spurred tremendous interest in new refractive IOLs launched by AMO and others. On the laser vision correction front, the global markets continued to exhibit growth, driven by new technologies and expanded treatment ranges. Industry consolidation also continued in 2005, marked by AMO's mid-year acquisition of VISX, Incorporated, the world leader in laser vision correction.
Laser Vision Correction Procedure Growth
Procedure volume for laser vision correction in the USA grew in 2005, although not at quite the rate of the previous year. In 2004, however, growth was based on a comparison against 2003, which was a slow year. Also, in 2004, FDA approvals for wavefront-guided custom LASIK energized the industry. This helped drive a significant shift in 2005 in the mix of refractive procedures, with custom accounting for about half of all procedures in the USA. Other exciting developments included the release of sophisticated iris registration technology, which allows surgeons to achieve a new level of precision in LASIK treatment alignment.
Outside the USA, laser vision correction growth was also positive. AMO is helping to drive this growth by leveraging our large global cataract structure to grow the laser vision correction platform in select markets of Asia Pacific, Europe, and Japan. These are markets poised for significant growth in overall volume and the proportion of custom procedures as international surgeons become more familiar with the clinical benefits of wavefront-guided technologies.
The Outlook for Laser Vision Correction
The future is bright for the laser vision correction market. Manufacturers continue to develop new technologies and seek expanded treatment ranges, providing surgeons with an increasing number of options to offer patients and the ability to achieve optimal outcomes. At AMO, we are focusing our resources on seeking LASIK approval for the treatment of presbyopia in mid and low hyperopes, as well as low myopes. This could ultimately give surgeons an important tool for helping the massive baby boomer population- some 76 million strong in the US alone and known for reshaping habits, styles, and attitudes towards aging -find viable alternatives to reading glasses and bifocals.
The femtosecond laser will certainly play an important role in the future of refractive surgery. Not only has this technology filled a medical and marketing need with all-laser- LASIK, but it could also help usher in use of corneal inlays.
The mechanical microkeratome also continues to play an important role in the growth of refractive surgery. These have advanced markedly in recent years and offer standard deviations that rival laser flaps. In addition, epi-LASIK features offer increased flexibility to surgeons, allowing them to make either stromal cuts, as in traditional LASIK, or lift off the epithelium and ablate on Bowmans membrane. Again, what we see is the technology expanding options for patients and surgeons.
Emergence of Refractive IOLs
In the past, cataract patients may have been satisfied if their surgery gave them distance vision unimpaired by cataracts. After surgery, they were happy to get on with life in low-power bi- or trifocals. However, today's seniors are more active, and are looking to regain the functional vision they enjoyed when they were younger and less dependent on eyeglasses. This patient need is driving the convergence of refractive and cataract surgery.
The refractive IOL market is still in its infancy but is set for explosive growth with the CMS ruling. This is giving millions of cataract patients access to presbyopia-correcting IOLs and powering a swifter migration of cataract surgeons to refractive procedures. For example, at a recent continuing education symposium at the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 42% of the nearly 600 doctors in attendance expected between 5% and 20% of their 2006 lens implants to be multifocal IOLs. Another 24% expected multifocal IOLs to represent between 21% and 50% of their implants. These responses are a clear indication of how quickly this refractive IOL market is developing.
Movement to refractive implants is also changing the doctor/patient dynamic by shifting the focus of the discussion to one of lifestyle. Doctors are spending more time with patients to ascertain how patients spend their time, whether they are avid readers, tennis players, or frequent computer users. This is important because one IOL design may be better for near vision, while another may provide better intermediate or distance vision. All this information is essential in order for the surgeon to select the specific refractive technology, or blend of technologies, that will result in the best possible outcome for that patient.
In addition, surgeons interested in adopting refractive IOLs are reevaluating their office staffing and setup to make sure they are properly positioned to educate and interact with a private-pay patient who expects a high level of personalized service.
Future of Refractive IOLs
Patient needs will continue to drive the refractive IOL market forward. Today's multifocal IOLs represent a big step forward in this evolution, but they are only the beginning. AMO and various other industry players are dedicating significant R&D resources to deliver improved IOL designs, including accommodating lenses that mimic the normal focusing movement of the natural lens and customized IOLs, which can be tailored precisely to an individual patient's specific needs.
Capturing the Presbyopic Emmetrope
Another trend to watch is the development of surgical treatments for the presbyopic emmetrope. This is a massive segment of the population that has received little attention from refractive surgery to date. However, as an industry, we are moving closer to the time when managing presbyopia surgically will be a routine procedure. Some of the options include multifocal ablation technology, conductive keratoplasty, multifocal IOLs, accommodating IOLs, and corneal inlays.
Looking Forward
This is an exciting time for refractive surgery, as new technologies are reshaping the market and providing doctors with innovations to address a full range of patients' vision care needs. The population continues to age and roughly 60% of the world has some form of refractive error. The vast majority of this vision-corrected population still relies on eyeglasses or contact lenses, with roughly 3% opting for refractive surgical procedures to date. People are motivated to have refractive surgery and willing to pay for the procedures because freedom from eyeglasses not only improves their physical appearance, but it also enhances the quality and convenience of their daily lives.
The refractive industry is a healthy one, made up of large, global companies offering large product portfolios, and smaller players specializing in single-product technologies.
Some of these companies include AMO, Alcon, Bausch & Lomb, Eyeonics, and Intralase. Combined, these companies have increased spending on research and development by roughly 20% in absolute dollars over the past 2 years. AMO has increased its R&D spending by about 50% over the past 3 years alone. These numbers speak well to the vitality of the industry and will lead to many new advancements and opportunities. Most of all, it bodes well for the doctors and the patients they serve.
Well I hope you enjoyed this article, please check back as I will keep you all posted on more Lasik Industry news. I will keep all of you as up to date on the upcoming technology as possible. Please visit www.lasik.fm to "Logon, Listen and Learn about Lasik" Take Care
Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik
Check out the Esiris Excimer Laser System!
ESIRIS belongs to the sixth generation of excimer laser appliances. ESIRIS is a product of modern high technologies developed in Germany. It is remarkable for a contemporary design, maximum safety and comfort for the patient. Owing to peculiarity of the laser ray (the so called flying spot) the ESIRIS works in a more sparing regime and has a number of advantages over lasers of precedent generations. In practice it means improvement of correction quality and quick rehabilitation after the operation.
Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik
Lasik Links
At present the “Sight Recovery Center” is the only clinic in Russia that is equipped with a laser installation of such a level.
Advantages of ESIRIS over laser installations of precedent generations
Quick restoration of cornea tissue and vision acuity after operation thanks to the flying spot of 0,8 mm in diameter.
Improved eye centering owing to high speed active tracking system. Even if a patient leads aside his eye, the laser ray will work precisely in the center of the pupil.
Minimum level of a cornea burn. The lowest thermal impact.
The lowest ablation depth (cornea remains thick after the operation) in comparison with other lasers. It diminishes the risk of its damage.
Correction possibility of high level ametropia – up to –18,0 D with the help of LASIK and PRK an also SUPERLASIK methods.
Cornea surface after ablation is most smooth and more exactly repeats the profile loaded into the laser computer. This is attained by introducing newest scientific elaborations.
The diminishing of risk of post operation opacity by PRK.
The possibility of forming of an individual ablation profile.
The possibility of correction of higher order aberrations (SUPERLASIK method).
Correction of hypermetropia with ablation zone up to 9,00 mm.
Optimum distribution of energy on the cornea (ablation frequency – 200 Hz).
Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik
Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik
Lasik Links
At present the “Sight Recovery Center” is the only clinic in Russia that is equipped with a laser installation of such a level.
Advantages of ESIRIS over laser installations of precedent generations
Quick restoration of cornea tissue and vision acuity after operation thanks to the flying spot of 0,8 mm in diameter.
Improved eye centering owing to high speed active tracking system. Even if a patient leads aside his eye, the laser ray will work precisely in the center of the pupil.
Minimum level of a cornea burn. The lowest thermal impact.
The lowest ablation depth (cornea remains thick after the operation) in comparison with other lasers. It diminishes the risk of its damage.
Correction possibility of high level ametropia – up to –18,0 D with the help of LASIK and PRK an also SUPERLASIK methods.
Cornea surface after ablation is most smooth and more exactly repeats the profile loaded into the laser computer. This is attained by introducing newest scientific elaborations.
The diminishing of risk of post operation opacity by PRK.
The possibility of forming of an individual ablation profile.
The possibility of correction of higher order aberrations (SUPERLASIK method).
Correction of hypermetropia with ablation zone up to 9,00 mm.
Optimum distribution of energy on the cornea (ablation frequency – 200 Hz).
Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik
Esiris Excimer Laser System is totally awesome!
200Hz pulse frequency - 330Hz active high speed eye tracking
0.8mm scanning spot with Gaussian beam profile
LASIK / PRK / LASEK / PTK - ORK "customized ablation" (topography / corneal wavefront and aberrometry guided customized ablation)
Lasik system with the Carriazo-Pendular microkeratome
Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik
Lasik Links
ESIRIS - future oriented Excimer laser system eminently suited for refractive surgery in the years to come. Integrated "ORK"-software for today's individual topography, corneal wavefront or aberrometry- guided "customized ablation". Clinical studies reveal outstanding results with regards to optimal correction of the eye and its surface quality.
ESIRIS - patient comfort and high system safety
Modern high-tech product - "engineered in Germany". The system offers high patient comfort and has important technical safety features:
optimal energy distribution on the cornea
low ablation depth
high corrections possible
reduced risk of postoperative haze with PRK
lowest thermal effects on the corneal tissue during ablation
individual ablation profile possible
extremely "shape-true" with wavefront guided ablations - ("treatment of higher orders")
a worldwide unique laser treatment with selective corneal wavefront data
hyperopic treatments with enhanced ablation zones up to 9mm possible
quick post-operative recovery of visual acuity and tissue healing due to the 0.8mm spot size
ESIRIS - achieves one of the smoothest ablation surfaces
200Hz ablation frequency
short treatment times while maintaining a high surface quality at the same time, and, the low roughness
extremely even energy distribution possible during the ablation process
this results in one of the smoothest ablation surfaces yet known
Precise 0.8mm scanning spot laser with perfect beam delivery control
highly precise 200Hz scanning spot 193nm ArF Excimer laser and the optimized beam delivery system make a beam diameter of 0.8mm possible - Gaussian profile.
ESIRIS - optimized centering of the eye - no suction- or tracking-ring necessary for the eye tracker
330Hz high speed eye tracking system
ESIRIS has one of the fastest active eye trackers worldwide, with dual infrared illumination system
safe and highly precise treatment results coupled with safe tracking of even the quickest eye movements (saccades of up to 250Hz are compensated for)
it is comforting for the patient that no additional suction rings or any other instruments for the eye tracker are used, which are necessary in other laser systems
ESIRIS does not put additional strain on the eye, i.e. as with suction and fixation
Additionally, the eye tracker offers the possibility to shift the centering point. This so-called "tracking offset" may aid especially with hyperopia treatments of nasally fixed patients
ESIRIS - optimized ergonomic design and handling comfort
Design
The elegant, consistent design, and the ergonomic order of the system components meet high customer demands for modern, high-tech equipment.
LASIK
29cm working distance between laser arm and patient eye. Ideal for LASIK with all commercial microkeratomes for professional LASIK.
Compact assembly
Only requires a small space 4.5 x 3m incl. patient bed.
Patient bed
elegant design for a relaxed, comfortable position - breathable, easy-care vinyl cover.
Central control (x-y-z) via near-by joystick (Optionally positioned to the right or left of the surgeon)
easy entry / exit for the patient integrated memory function (The patient bed may be moved automatically back and forth underneath the laser arm at the press of a button)
Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik
0.8mm scanning spot with Gaussian beam profile
LASIK / PRK / LASEK / PTK - ORK "customized ablation" (topography / corneal wavefront and aberrometry guided customized ablation)
Lasik system with the Carriazo-Pendular microkeratome
Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik
Lasik Links
ESIRIS - future oriented Excimer laser system eminently suited for refractive surgery in the years to come. Integrated "ORK"-software for today's individual topography, corneal wavefront or aberrometry- guided "customized ablation". Clinical studies reveal outstanding results with regards to optimal correction of the eye and its surface quality.
ESIRIS - patient comfort and high system safety
Modern high-tech product - "engineered in Germany". The system offers high patient comfort and has important technical safety features:
optimal energy distribution on the cornea
low ablation depth
high corrections possible
reduced risk of postoperative haze with PRK
lowest thermal effects on the corneal tissue during ablation
individual ablation profile possible
extremely "shape-true" with wavefront guided ablations - ("treatment of higher orders")
a worldwide unique laser treatment with selective corneal wavefront data
hyperopic treatments with enhanced ablation zones up to 9mm possible
quick post-operative recovery of visual acuity and tissue healing due to the 0.8mm spot size
ESIRIS - achieves one of the smoothest ablation surfaces
200Hz ablation frequency
short treatment times while maintaining a high surface quality at the same time, and, the low roughness
extremely even energy distribution possible during the ablation process
this results in one of the smoothest ablation surfaces yet known
Precise 0.8mm scanning spot laser with perfect beam delivery control
highly precise 200Hz scanning spot 193nm ArF Excimer laser and the optimized beam delivery system make a beam diameter of 0.8mm possible - Gaussian profile.
ESIRIS - optimized centering of the eye - no suction- or tracking-ring necessary for the eye tracker
330Hz high speed eye tracking system
ESIRIS has one of the fastest active eye trackers worldwide, with dual infrared illumination system
safe and highly precise treatment results coupled with safe tracking of even the quickest eye movements (saccades of up to 250Hz are compensated for)
it is comforting for the patient that no additional suction rings or any other instruments for the eye tracker are used, which are necessary in other laser systems
ESIRIS does not put additional strain on the eye, i.e. as with suction and fixation
Additionally, the eye tracker offers the possibility to shift the centering point. This so-called "tracking offset" may aid especially with hyperopia treatments of nasally fixed patients
ESIRIS - optimized ergonomic design and handling comfort
Design
The elegant, consistent design, and the ergonomic order of the system components meet high customer demands for modern, high-tech equipment.
LASIK
29cm working distance between laser arm and patient eye. Ideal for LASIK with all commercial microkeratomes for professional LASIK.
Compact assembly
Only requires a small space 4.5 x 3m incl. patient bed.
Patient bed
elegant design for a relaxed, comfortable position - breathable, easy-care vinyl cover.
Central control (x-y-z) via near-by joystick (Optionally positioned to the right or left of the surgeon)
easy entry / exit for the patient integrated memory function (The patient bed may be moved automatically back and forth underneath the laser arm at the press of a button)
Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik
The Bausch and Lomb Orbscan will map your eye!
Bausch & Lomb's Orbscan® IIz is a fully integrated multidimensional diagnostic system that elevates diagnostics beyond mere topography. Unlike current topography systems which scan the surface of the eye at standard points, the Orbscan II acquires over 9000 data points in 1.5 seconds to meticulously map the entire corneal surface (11 mm), and analyze elevation and curvature measurements on both the anterior and posterior surfaces of the cornea.
By providing more comprehensive pre-op diagnostics and planning, exclusionary criteria such as keratoconus, pre-keratoconus, and corneal thinning can be identified to optimize outcomes in both primary treatments and enhancements. The Orbscan II may help explain decreased visual acuity post-op, and is designed to allow the surgeon to more accurately prescribe retreatments, if necessary.
Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik
Lasik Links
Acquires over 9000 data points in 1.5 seconds
Analyzes elevation and curvature measurements on both anterior and posterior surfaces of the cornea
Capable of detecting and analyzing posterior corneal abnormalities where corneal anomalies first appear
Features dynamic, Windows-based platform designed to integrate continuing advances via upgradable software
Customizable quad maps show any combination of measurements in one convenient format
Slit scanning technology combined with an advanced placido disc system
Anterior corneal elevation and curvature
Posterior corneal elevation and curvature
Full corneal pachymetry
Simulated keratometry
White-to-white diameter
Pupil size (mesopic)
Anterior chamber depth
Angle kappa
Irregularity index
If you have something else to add regarding the Bausch and Lomb Orbscan please post it here.
Thanks,
Lasik Counselor
www.lasik.FM
Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik
By providing more comprehensive pre-op diagnostics and planning, exclusionary criteria such as keratoconus, pre-keratoconus, and corneal thinning can be identified to optimize outcomes in both primary treatments and enhancements. The Orbscan II may help explain decreased visual acuity post-op, and is designed to allow the surgeon to more accurately prescribe retreatments, if necessary.
Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik
Lasik Links
Acquires over 9000 data points in 1.5 seconds
Analyzes elevation and curvature measurements on both anterior and posterior surfaces of the cornea
Capable of detecting and analyzing posterior corneal abnormalities where corneal anomalies first appear
Features dynamic, Windows-based platform designed to integrate continuing advances via upgradable software
Customizable quad maps show any combination of measurements in one convenient format
Slit scanning technology combined with an advanced placido disc system
Anterior corneal elevation and curvature
Posterior corneal elevation and curvature
Full corneal pachymetry
Simulated keratometry
White-to-white diameter
Pupil size (mesopic)
Anterior chamber depth
Angle kappa
Irregularity index
If you have something else to add regarding the Bausch and Lomb Orbscan please post it here.
Thanks,
Lasik Counselor
www.lasik.FM
Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik
Eye openers: the latest innovations in vision surgery
Thanks to new technology you just may be able to hang up those glasses. Alternatives to LASIK, the popular surgery that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, promise simpler methods and faster results. Here we offer an overview of the newest options. For more information, visit aao.org, the Web site of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik
Lasik Links
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)
Focal Point: FDA-approved in September 2004, ICL (a permanent contact-lens implant generally made out of plastic) may be the answer for patients who are too nearsighted for LASIK.
Surgical View: The patient receives topical or local anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision and inserts the Collamer lens next to the patient's natural lens, behind the iris.
Recovery Zone: The small incision should heal, and full vision should be restored in 24 to 48 hours. Any swelling should only last three days.
Price Scan: ICL costs about $3,000 per eye. Like most elective vision surgeries, it isn't covered by insurance.
Wavefront Guided Ablation
Focal Point: Popularly known as Custom LASIK, Wavefront Guided Ablation increases a patient's chance for 20/20 vision and may also improve night vision. "[Custom LASIK] detects all the little distortions," says Paul Karpecki, M.D., director of research at Moyes Eye Center in Kansas City, Missouri. "it's more customized to the individual eye, and the Wave-front [technology] may contribute to making the procedure safer."
Surgical View: A surgeon uses computer software to pinpoint distortions and guide the laser. The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes.
Recovery Zone: Some patients may experience initial burning or stinging. Most notice better vision immediately, with overall vision improvement within a month.
Price Scan: Custom costs $2,000 to $2,400 per eye compared with $1,000 for traditional LASIK. insurance doesn't cover it.
Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)
Focal Point: FDA-approved last April, this procedure may be ideal for patients over 45 with presbyopia (you see well in the distance but need glasses to see up close). "CK is one of the safest procedures because it doesn't involve any cutting inside the eye," says Karpecki. "The surgery is quick, but patients may need another procedure three to seven years later."
Surgical View: Using an instrument that produces radio waves, the surgeon reshapes the patient's cornea. Relatively painless, CK takes about two minutes per eye. Recovery Zone: It takes 24 to 48 hours for the point of insertion to heal and for scratchiness and light sensitivity to end. Vision improvement is usually immediate, with fully blended vision (both eyes working together correctly) occurring in four to six weeks.
Price Scan: CK isn't covered by insurance. It averages $1,500 per eye. (To correct near vision, many patients only need one eye treated.)
Accommodating Intraocular Lens
Focal Point: This updated version of cataract surgery improves overall vision. (Standard cataract surgery only addresses distance vision.)
Surgical View: While the patient is under local or topical anesthesia, a surgeon removes the natural lens and replaces it with a "hinged" silicone lens. This lens utilizes the eye muscle to move back and forth to restore vision at all distances. Patient must use postoperative drops to prevent infection. Recovery Zone: Incision should heal within 24 to 48 hours. Distance vision will be very good one to two days after surgery, but it may take up to a month for near vision to improve.
Price Scan: It can cost $4,500 per eye (!) and insurance doesn't yet cover it. "This procedure is so new," Karpecki explains. "But as with anything, the price may come down."
Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik
Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik
Lasik Links
Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)
Focal Point: FDA-approved in September 2004, ICL (a permanent contact-lens implant generally made out of plastic) may be the answer for patients who are too nearsighted for LASIK.
Surgical View: The patient receives topical or local anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision and inserts the Collamer lens next to the patient's natural lens, behind the iris.
Recovery Zone: The small incision should heal, and full vision should be restored in 24 to 48 hours. Any swelling should only last three days.
Price Scan: ICL costs about $3,000 per eye. Like most elective vision surgeries, it isn't covered by insurance.
Wavefront Guided Ablation
Focal Point: Popularly known as Custom LASIK, Wavefront Guided Ablation increases a patient's chance for 20/20 vision and may also improve night vision. "[Custom LASIK] detects all the little distortions," says Paul Karpecki, M.D., director of research at Moyes Eye Center in Kansas City, Missouri. "it's more customized to the individual eye, and the Wave-front [technology] may contribute to making the procedure safer."
Surgical View: A surgeon uses computer software to pinpoint distortions and guide the laser. The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes.
Recovery Zone: Some patients may experience initial burning or stinging. Most notice better vision immediately, with overall vision improvement within a month.
Price Scan: Custom costs $2,000 to $2,400 per eye compared with $1,000 for traditional LASIK. insurance doesn't cover it.
Conductive Keratoplasty (CK)
Focal Point: FDA-approved last April, this procedure may be ideal for patients over 45 with presbyopia (you see well in the distance but need glasses to see up close). "CK is one of the safest procedures because it doesn't involve any cutting inside the eye," says Karpecki. "The surgery is quick, but patients may need another procedure three to seven years later."
Surgical View: Using an instrument that produces radio waves, the surgeon reshapes the patient's cornea. Relatively painless, CK takes about two minutes per eye. Recovery Zone: It takes 24 to 48 hours for the point of insertion to heal and for scratchiness and light sensitivity to end. Vision improvement is usually immediate, with fully blended vision (both eyes working together correctly) occurring in four to six weeks.
Price Scan: CK isn't covered by insurance. It averages $1,500 per eye. (To correct near vision, many patients only need one eye treated.)
Accommodating Intraocular Lens
Focal Point: This updated version of cataract surgery improves overall vision. (Standard cataract surgery only addresses distance vision.)
Surgical View: While the patient is under local or topical anesthesia, a surgeon removes the natural lens and replaces it with a "hinged" silicone lens. This lens utilizes the eye muscle to move back and forth to restore vision at all distances. Patient must use postoperative drops to prevent infection. Recovery Zone: Incision should heal within 24 to 48 hours. Distance vision will be very good one to two days after surgery, but it may take up to a month for near vision to improve.
Price Scan: It can cost $4,500 per eye (!) and insurance doesn't yet cover it. "This procedure is so new," Karpecki explains. "But as with anything, the price may come down."
Nidek Laser Technolas Laser Ladar Laser Allegretto Laser Intralase Laser Hyperion Laser NearVision CK Visx Laser Mel 80 Laser Esiris Laser Laser Scan LSX Phasik
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)