Raleigh LASIK Eye Surgeon to Present in Abu Dhabi

Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) December 28, 2011

Leading Raleigh area LASIK surgeon Dr. Dean Dornic, medical director of the Laser Eye Center of Carolina has been invited to present at the World Ophthalmology Congress in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The World Ophthalmology Congress is the longest running international medical meeting and is sponsored by the International Council of Ophthalmology. The meeting takes place in various cities worldwide on a yearly basis. This year's meeting is being hosted by the Middle East African Council of Ophthalmology and takes place February 16-20, 2012 in Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Dornic will be presenting his findings on the ability to prevent LASIK complications by using customized laser flaps. Dornic's clinic recently purchased a new model IntraLase laser that allows for the production of complex beveled flap edges. “These beveled edges cause the flap to fit more snugly making the flap more resistant to dislocation and trauma,” said Dornic. Dornic's center is currently the only facility in North Carolina to have the iFS model of IntraLase laser that can create the type of LASIK flaps described in his paper.

source: PR Web

OptiMedica Receives FDA Market Clearance of the Catalys™ Precision Laser System

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — December 22, 2011— Global ophthalmic company OptiMedica Corp. has announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) market clearance of its Catalys Precision Laser System, a next generation laser cataract surgery system that brings unequaled precision and accuracy and a markedly streamlined workflow to the laser cataract procedure. Catalys combines a femtosecond laser, integrated Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging and OptiMedica’s breakthrough pattern scanning technology in an ergonomic, easy-to-use system that allows cataract surgeons to perform image-guided pre-operative laser lens conditioning. The system is FDA cleared for capsulotomy (a circular incision in the lens capsule) and/or lens fragmentation (segmenting and softening of the lens to prepare for removal).

“The FDA market clearance of Catalys is an exciting development in the emerging field of laser cataract surgery and a key milestone in the history of OptiMedica,” said Mark J. Forchette, OptiMedica president and chief executive officer. “OptiMedica has been committed to defining and delivering the standard for precision and accuracy in laser cataract surgery since the day our company was founded. We are proud to introduce the industry’s most sophisticated laser cataract surgery system to U.S. patients and physicians. I want to commend our team on this important achievement.”

Catalys is the product of an extensive effort by OptiMedica to deliver the precision and safety benefits of femtosecond laser to cataract surgery, a widely performed procedure estimated at 19 million cases worldwide per year.

source: OptiMedica

LASIK with optimized aspheric profiles may correct high myopia

LASIK performed with a new-generation excimer laser and optimized aberration-free ablation profiles succeeded in treating high myopia, a study found.

"These results contrast with several previous studies reporting the very low predictability of LASIK procedure in high refractive errors," the study authors said. "The refractive outcomes that we have obtained today treating high levels of myopia are similar to those reported for low to moderate myopia in the last decade, and possibly these outcomes will become even better in the future with the upcoming advances in excimer laser technology."

complete story: OSN Supersite

Baltimore Eye Surgeon Discusses Revival in Popularity of PRK Surgery

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) shows in its latest report that eye doctors performed 800,000 refractive surgical procedures in 2010. The AAO also indicates that more than 3.6 million people age 40 and older are visually impaired, or have 20/40 or worse vision in the better eye even with eyeglasses. At his Baltimore LASIK surgery and eye care practice, Dr. Jay C. Grochmal says many of his patients are choosing PRK surgery as an alternative to LASIK to correct their poor vision. He also says the procedure is rapidly growing in popularity again as patients are beginning to see the benefits it can offer for those who are not candidates for LASIK.

While LASIK surgery accrues more popular attention because of its well-known success and prevalence, Dr. Grochmal says PRK is extremely successful and can oftentimes be the best option for patients who meet certain criteria. Unlike LASIK, where a flap is created to perform the surgery, the surgeon removes the epithelial layer of the cornea and then reshapes the cornea using an excimer laser. Because the procedure does not involve flap creation on the eye, he says patients with thin corneas can often achieve the most effective results through a PRK procedure. Dr. Grochmal says the procedure can also work effectively for patients seeking enhancement of a previous LASIK procedure.

Dr. Grochmal says PRK can also be used for treatment of epithelial distrophy, or issues with the epithelium of the cornea. He adds that PRK's other benefits include removal of scars on the cornea, strengthening the cornea through cross-linking, and reduced formation of scar tissue.

source: PR Web

Bausch + Lomb and Technolas™ Perfect Vision Announce CE Mark Approval for VICTUS™ Femtosecond Laser Platform

Bausch + Lomb, the global leader in eye health, and Technolas™ Perfect Vision GmbH (TPV), a leading ophthalmology laser company, announced the commercial availability of the VICTUS™ Femtosecond Laser Platform in the European Union (EU). After securing CE mark approval, the VICTUS platform is approved for LASIK flap, astigmatic keratotomy, INTRACOR, capsulotomy and lens fragmentation.

"This is a significant milestone for Bausch + Lomb that will deliver breakthrough capabilities to our eye care professionals and the patients they serve," said Brent Saunders, chief executive officer of Bausch + Lomb.

The VICTUS platform is uniquely designed to support cataract, refractive and therapeutic procedures all on a single platform. The femtosecond laser technology enables greater precision in both cataract and refractive procedures compared to manual techniques, giving ophthalmologists more control and potentially enhancing the patient experience.

"This CE mark approval represents a major step for femtosecond laser technology by elevating the role that laser technology can play in refractive and cataract procedures," said Robert E. Grant, EVP and president and CEO, Global Surgical Business, for Bausch + Lomb. "I am excited that we will begin shipping product by the end of the year."

source: PR Newswire

Avedro Announces Its Second FDA Orphan Drug Designation for Corneal Cross-linking

WALTHAM, Mass., Dec 07, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Avedro, Inc. announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug designation to the Company's VibeX (riboflavin ophthalmic solution) for use with its KXL System (UVA irradiation) for Corneal Cross-linking to treat corneal ectasia following refractive surgery, such as Lasik and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Corneal ectasia is a rare outcome of refractive surgery but is a progressive condition that is difficult to manage. This is the company's second orphan drug designation for VibeX.

"Avedro has yet again hit a major milestone in its efforts to make this clinically important treatment available to US patients," said Dr. Peter Hersh, a leading refractive surgeon and Medical Monitor for Avedro's clinical trials. "US ophthalmologists will be encouraged by this progress, as today they lack any approved therapeutic treatment to halt the progression of ectasia following refractive surgery."

source: Avedro

Fort Lauderdale Laser Eye Surgeon Says LASIK Procedure More Affordable Than Some May Think

The most recent study from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) reports that Americans spend over $15 billion each year on eyewear to improve refractive errors. In comparison, approximately 800,000 vision correction procedures were performed in 2010, according to the AAO report. At CorrectVision Laser Institute, a center for LASIK surgery in Ft. Lauderdale, Dr. Marc Bosem says many patients are starting to take advantage of the payment options that can make laser vision correction procedures like LASIK more affordable. Dr. Bosem reassures patients that although a certain mentality exists that LASIK will cost more than continuing with glasses or contact lenses, vision correction can save money long term through options such as a Flex Spending Account (FSA).

An FSA, also known as a Medical Spending Account or flex plan, is an employer-sponsored benefit allowing patients to pay for eligible medical expenses tax-free. Dr. Bosem says patients who expect to incur medical expenses not reimbursed by regular health insurance plans should consider taking advantage of their employer’s FSA benefit, if one is offered. He also adds that an FSA can be an efficient way to decrease taxable income and make beneficial procedures such as LASIK more affordable. Contributions to the FSA are deducted from income at designated, equal amounts each pay period and placed into a special account before Federal, State, or Social Security taxes are calculated. Dr. Bosem says on January 1 of each year, the allocated funds are made available for use towards medical expenses not covered by insurance. He says this type of account offers significant advantages to patients worried about paying for LASIK. “A single individual earning $40,000 annually that utilizes flex spending to pay $4500 for LASIK will save approximately $1,469.25, which is 33%.

source: PR Web

Visian® Toric ICL™ Approved to Market in Japan

MONROVIA, Calif., Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- STAAR Surgical Company (Nasdaq: STAA), the leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of minimally invasive refractive lenses, today announced that its Visian Toric Implantable Collamer® Lens has been approved by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. With this approval, the Company is able to expand its product offerings to include the Toric ICL in Japan, potentially one of its most significant markets. The Visian ICL became the first phakic lens to gain approval in Japan during 2010.

"This is a very important milestone for STAAR and we have been working very closely with the Japanese regulators to win approval for our Toric ICL," said Don Todd, President of the Asia Pacific Region. "With the high rates of myopia and astigmatism in Japan, this approval opens up a significant market opportunity for the company. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the Toric ICL can provide a superior solution for patients with myopia and astigmatism. Astigmatism is blurred vision which is created when the eye is unable to properly focus due to its irregular shape. An often used analogy is that where the eye is typically shaped like a basketball, in those with astigmatism, the eye is shaped more like a football. Since our distribution in Japan is direct, our gross margin for the Toric ICL will be very high making this a very attractive market for STAAR. We expect to begin shipping immediately."

According to Market Scope, 2010 Comprehensive Report on The Global Refractive Surgery Market, Japan is the third largest market in the world with 375,000 procedures performed in 2010.

source: PR Newswire

Doctor Develops Laser Eye Surgery Technique that can Change Eye Color

Dr. Gregg Homer and his firm, Stroma Medical of Southern California are pioneering a new laser treatment that can permanently turn brown eyes into blue eyes without impacting the patients vision.

While still in the research stages, Dr. Homer has developed a technique using computer guided laser to remove the brown pigment called melanin from irises. This in turn will reveal the blue pigment beneath. The laser process takes about 20 seconds to complete and will result in a permanent change in the patients eye color.

The treatment is expected cost in the neighborhood of $5000 and should be availablein the United States within three years.

The American Refractive Surgery Council Discusses How Advances in LASIK Open Door for Those Once Ineligible

DALLAS, TX--(Marketwire - Oct 28, 2011) - LASIK was once off-limits to people with thin corneas, dry eye and prescriptions in higher ranges. But thanks to advances in technology and technique, many of those once ineligible for LASIK may now benefit from the popular vision correction procedure.

"Improved tools, such as new, more precise lasers and more advanced techniques, mean that we now have better outcomes than ever before and can perform LASIK on many people who once were not candidates," says Dr. Eric D. Donnenfeld, M.D., F.A.C.S. and member of the American Refractive Surgery Council. "While there are still people whose medical conditions and vision issues make them poor candidates for LASIK, that population is shrinking due to improved technologies and therapies.

"If you have been considering LASIK -- or if you have been disqualified in the past -- it's worthwhile to consult with your surgeon to see if you are among the growing group who might benefit," Dr. Donnenfeld said.

source: Market Wire

ORange Wavefront Aberrometer Proves Successful in Determining Refraction in Cataract Patients Who Previously Had LASIK Surgery

ALISO VIEJO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WaveTec Vision, the leader in wavefront-guided custom cataract™ surgery, announced today that its ORange® intraoperative wavefront aberrometer has been shown to be more predictable in determining refraction in the post-refractive eye, than any other post-LASIK formula currently available.

“Following LASIK, patients expect a lifetime of quality uncorrected vision. Unfortunately, these same patients are the most difficult to predict the optimal IOL power when they develop cataracts”

Wavefront custom cataract aberrometry with ORange is a breakthrough in modern cataract surgery. The technology has been clinically proven to increase accuracy and improve refractive outcomes: 73 percent of procedures are within 0.5D of intended target, versus 58 percent with traditional cataract surgery using standard method biometry.

A patented diagnostic breakthrough, ORange allows cataract surgeons – for the first time – to measure refraction during surgery, so they can precisely predict and customize how their patients will see following the procedure.

source: Business Wire

Technolas Perfect Vision Receives FDA Approval of Latest Technology for Custom LASIK

MUNICH, GERMANY--(Marketwire - March 14, 2011) - Technolas Perfect Vision GmbH (TPV), a cataract and refractive laser company at the forefront of providing advanced eye laser treatments, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the ZYOPTIX® Advanced Nomogram. The Advanced Nomogram is the latest, state-of-the-art methodology for use in custom LASIK eye surgery procedures when treating nearsightedness and astigmatism. This confirms that "there is convincing evidence that LASIK myopia corrections are more accurate with the Advanced Nomogram than without it."

Using the Advanced Nomogram when performing custom LASIK with the TECHNOLAS 217z100 laser, significantly improves the predictability of the results, as well as reducing the possibility of requiring a second enhancement procedure. Technolas Perfect Vision is the ONLY company in the US able to offer this latest, approved technology for LASIK on their laser platform.

The Advanced Nomogram was developed in collaboration with the Center for Visual Science, at the University of Rochester Flaum Eye Institute.

source: Technolas Perfect Vision

BIOLASE Issued New Patent Supporting Use of Laser Technologies for Treating Eye Conditions

BIOLASE Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLTI), the World's leading dental laser manufacturer and distributor, today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued BIOLASE a new patent covering the use of its laser technologies for treating various conditions of the eye, including presbyopia. The patent is related to applying dyes and colored lighting to make structures in the eye more visible for various eye procedures performed with the Company's patented laser technologies. In addition, certain colorings allow for greater absorption of energy making it easier to cut at lower energy settings.

The patent is number 7,891,363 and is titled "Methods for Treating Eye Conditions." It supports previously issued patents and covers methods for treating eye disorders, such as presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision that comes to everyone in mid-life. Presbyopia generally signifies a universal decrease in the amplitude of accommodation in the eye and currently affects over 100 million people in the U.S. and more than 2 billion people worldwide.

source: Biolase

Dishler Laser Institute is Certified as a Zeiss LASIK Center of Excellence

Carl Zeiss Meditec, one of the world's premier medical technology companies, has bestowed the honor of certifying Denver LASIK surgeon Jon G. Dishler MD as a member of the Scientific Board for Laser Vision Correction.

Dr. Jon Dishler http://www.dishler.com has been assigned to be a scientific board member due to his:

* Scientific expertise
* Clinical excellence
* Long and comprehensive clinical practice
* Innovative contributions

A specialist in refractive surgery, Dr. Dishler has personally performed over 51,000 LASIK and vision correction procedures during the last 15 years. He has participated in the original development of the Excimer laser within the framework of the FDA approval studies. In fact, he was the first laser vision surgeon and only ophthalmologist in Colorado to develop an FDA approved Excimer laser.

source: PR Web

Dr. John Suson Advises On What to Avoid in Discount Lasik Surgery Centers: A Consumer’s Guide

(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 07, 2011 ) Milwaukee, WI - Dr. John Suson, of Suson Eye Specialists, said "If you have begun your research into Lasik eye surgery, you may have already noticed that the price can vary widely from the Premium Eye Surgery Clinics to the Low Cost Discount Chains and Centers.

Why are there such significant price differences?


Many of the “discounters” are able to advertise a low fee for their services by using an ala Carte pricing structure. The Lasik surgery itself may be $699.00/eye, but this fee will not include all prescriptions, from mild to severe, nor the necessary preoperative exams and the postoperative follow-up visits that are necessary. And often the latest technologies available, such as bladeless “All Laser LASIK”, are not an option with this pricing structure.

By contrast, a typical Premium Surgery Clinic price structure might include the following:

• Comprehensive pre-op examination determines if one is a good candidate for LASIK and also determines overall health of the patient’s eyes

• Surgeon’s fee

• All follow up visits

• Laser Center/Technology fee

• Cost of any enhancements (re-treatmenjavascript:void(0)ts) for a specified period.

The “discounters” thrive on a lower technology, high volume business. They generally rely on a less demanding group of patients where the biggest perceived difference by some consumers is price. In other words, the focus at many of these centers is on price and profitability, not on the patient, technology, and potential complications.

source and complete article:Email Wire

Precision Eye Care Announces True "Computer Guided Laser Cataract Surgery"

HUNTINGTON, NY, February 03, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Richard G. Davis, MD, one of the original founding partners of Island Eye Surgicenter and the founder of Precision Eye Care, announces that a decision has been reached to acquire one of the first OCT guided Femtosecond lasers designed for cataract surgery in the country.

"This new procedure will improve the safety and reproducibility of cataract surgery, making an already successful procedure less risky and more reliable," says Dr. Davis. "This will be the next big breakthrough in eye surgery and I am very excited about the future. The laser will be guided by a computer which is able to image the eye in real time and do some of the most complex parts of the surgery. I think this will improve an already low complication rate by about 75%!"

Island Eye Surgicenter anticipates having the laser installed and running by late February / early March. Island Eye is unique in that it focuses on the surgical care and treatment of eye disorders and specializes in the most advanced laser cataract surgery on Long Island.

source: 24-7 Press Release

Maryland Eye Surgeon Ordered to Pay $1.07 Million to Former Patient

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ordered a Maryland eye surgeon to pay $1.07 million to a former patient who claimed his vision was damaged by laser eye surgery a decade earlier.

The lawsuit against against Dr. Mark Whitten was filed by former patient David Cantalupo of Pennsylvania after a swift eye laser surgery procedure left him unable to see out of his left eye. According to an attorney representing Mr. Cantalupo the procedure caused the vision in his left eye to be “very blurry, fuzzy” and stated that his client “sees double images.”

The lawsuit accuses Dr. Whitten of failing to warn his patient of the dangers associated with laser eye surgery and failure to collect “informed consent” before performing the procedure.

Dr. Whitten is reportedly Tiger Woods LASIK eye surgeon.

Monovision LASIK

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, January 08, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Typical of medical progress, new procedures are usually inspired by what is learned from older procedures. Monovision LASIK developed out of a need to improve upon an earlier procedure called conductive keratoplasty, or CK. It's not that CK did not work-it is, in fact, a very successful treatment for presbyopia. But it is not a permanent solution. Over time, as little as two years, CK gradually reverses itself, returning your vision to its original state. Consequently, CK patients face the expense and inconvenience of repeating surgery or finding another solution to gain clear vision within a few years of having CK surgery. Monovision LASIK is one of those solutions.

How Monovision LASIK Corrects Presbyopia

Presbyopia begins to affect just about everyone sometime before age 50. As we age our natural crystalline lenses begin to stiffen and become less flexible. Consequently, the lens' ability change focus quickly is slowed, and the range of focus decreases, particularly affecting near vision. This is when most people begin using reading glasses even if they still see distances well.

Monovision is a technique of creating near vision in the non-dominant eye, which allows reading without glasses. The dominant eye, with good distance vision, is left alone.

Monovision LASIK involves sculpting the cornea of the non-dominant eye to achieve modest nearsightedness.

source: 24-7 Pressrelease

STAAR Surgical's Visian® ICL Surpasses 200,000 Implants

MONROVIA, Calif., Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- STAAR Surgical Company (Nasdaq: STAA), a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of minimally invasive ophthalmic products, today announced that the worldwide total number of Visian® ICL implants in patients has exceeded 200,000. Since 1994, STAAR's Implantable Collamer® Lenses (ICLs) have been used in refractive eye surgery as an alternative to LASIK. Manufactured with STAAR's proprietary Collamer material, Visian ICLs provide a safe and effective alternative in the permanent correction of myopia, hyperopia, and in the case of the Toric ICL, astigmatism.

"This milestone demonstrates that STAAR's ICL technology continues to transform the refractive market with increased share in the global surgical market," said Barry G. Caldwell, president and CEO of STAAR Surgical. "During the last half of 2010 we began shipping the new expanded version of the Vision ICL in countries that accept CE Mark Certification. During 2010 Visian ICL sales increased by 15%, while the LASIK segment continues to be challenged. We are most proud of the high level of patient satisfaction delivered by STAAR's technology for placing correction in the posterior segment, which avoids problems experienced with anterior segment phakic lenses. Of the over 200,000 ICLs implanted over the past 17 years, over 14,000 of those have been in eyes for over 10 years.

source: PR Newswire