New Era of Cataract Surgery Introduced at SurgiSite Boston

WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Medical firsts are expected in Boston, but they are not limited to academic medical centers. Here’s the proof: SurgiSite Boston (www.surgisiteboston.com) – an eye surgery facility in Waltham MA – performed the first laser-assisted cataract surgery in Massachusetts. This unique “first” was performed by SurgiSite Medical Director Jonathan H. Talamo, MD in December 2012. Dozens more ‘bladeless cataract surgeries’ – as they have come to be known – have been performed successfully in the weeks since, and both cataract surgeons and patients have raved about the speed, safety and rapid recovery.

SurgiSite Boston, now in its seventh year, is a stunningly modern ambulatory surgery center that is used by 70 ophthalmologists from throughout the region. It was created by Andrew Gillies, MD, President of SurgiSite Boston, and Jay S. Duker, MD, Director of New England Eye Center at Tufts Medical Center. SurgiSite aims to best serve both patients and physicians by acting quickly to adopt new technologies and create a comfortable, accessible environment for treatment.

The Catalys® Precision Laser system (www.optimedica.com) “is the result of unprecedented advances in image-guided laser eye surgery. It is gentle and patient-friendly, causing little or no discomfort while performing key steps of cataract surgery with superb precision and accuracy,” according to Dr. Talamo who was pleased to be among the first in the nation – certainly the first in Boston – to use the Catalys system in the operating room.

source: Business Wire

PRN Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals and Scope Ophthalmics launch Omega Eye in the UK

PRN Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals, a premier producer of condition-specific omega-3 products and macular vitamins, and Scope Ophthalmics, a leading distributor of innovative ophthalmic products in the UK, today announced the launch of Omega Eye in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The introduction of Omega Eye to the UK market is a significant enhancement to the treatments currently available for patients suffering from dry eye symptoms. The product offers a daily dose of 2668mg of omega-3 fatty acids in the re-esterified triglyceride form, including 1680mg of EPA and 560mg of DHA, as well as 1000 IU of Vitamin D.

With the current UK dry eye market estimated at 13MM units/annum, the market is growing at 12%/year. Experts say that this market will grow substantially in the coming years due to the aging population in the UK and also the environmental changes that can lead to dry eye symptoms. At present, 10% of the UK population suffers from some form of dry eye sensation. As a result, omega-3 supplementation, already proving its value as an essential part of dry eye therapy in the United States, is quickly becoming a topic of interest among UK ophthalmologists.

source: PRN Neutriceuticals

LASIK Vision Institute Congratulates Pioneers of LASIK Surgery

The LASIK Vision Institute (LVI) extends its heartfelt congratulations to the pioneers behind LASIK surgery for being awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. Inventor Gholam A. Peyman and researchers Samuel Blum, James J. Wynne and Rangaswamy Srinivasan were all honored in a White House ceremony late last week.

The Unites States’ most prestigious honor of its kind, the national award recognizes leading innovators for technological achievement. President Obama personally bestowed the medal upon Peyman, Wynne and Srinivasan. Scientist Samuel Blum passed away last month and received the award posthumously.

“Laser refractive surgical techniques… have revolutionized vision enhancement,” said President Obama in his ceremony address. “I want to congratulate these extraordinary Americans once again for all their accomplishments.”

source: PR Web

Cataract Surgeons in Fort Lauderdale Say Aging Eyes May Impact Body's Internal Clock

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL--(Marketwire - May 24, 2012) - Several recent studies in ophthalmology and biological rhythms may have linked aging eyes with a number of health concerns ranging from memory loss, insomnia, and depression to high cholesterol, obesity, inactive lifestyle, and even heart disease. Fort Lauderdale cataract surgeons Drs. Marc Bosem and Barry Concool at the CorrectVision Laser Institute say the gradual yellowing of the eye's lens and the narrowing of the pupil over time have been found to disturb circadian rhythm, which can ultimately lead to a range of medical complications due to its effect on the body's regulatory and hormonal function. At their center for LASIK and cataract surgery in Fort Lauderdale, Drs. Bosem and Concool say they have been recommending patients undergo eye exams if they experience certain symptoms such as sleep loss to detect the possibility of cataracts.

Dr. Bosem says the body's internal clock, helping it to start up in the morning and wind down at night, is regulated by blue light through photoreceptive cells that absorb sunlight and transmit messages to a part of the brain that governs circadian rhythm and releases the hormones melatonin and cortisol for proper function. However, as eyes age, he says their ability to receive blue light is diminished and the brain receives less of the messages it needs to control the internal clock. Dr. Bosem says cataract surgery works to replace the natural lens in the eye so that blue light reception is facilitated and can encourage the brain to react quicker and even improve one's overall mood.

source: Marketwire

LASIK vs. Wavefront LASIK

SAN JOSE, CA, May 02, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Most laser eye surgeons offer several options for LASIK . Traditional LASIK has been used for nearly 30 years to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. This time has provided eye surgeons with a lot of information about safety, potential complications, and good techniques, making tradition LASIK a proven effective way to provide crystal clear vision.

By contrast wavefront LASIK is a relatively new advancement. This means that this technique does not have as much historical data to back up its benefits. However, since its introduction, wavefront LASIK has shown to have remarkable benefits over traditional LASIK and is able to produce more reliable and consistent results.

The main difference between LASIK and wavefront LASIK is technology. With traditional LASIK, your eye surgeon will use either a microkeratome or femtosecond laser to create a flap in your cornea. Once the flap is created your eye surgeon will use an eximer laser to gently reshape your cornea based on calculation made prior to your surgery.

With wavefront LASIK, computer imaging is used to create a detailed map of your eye. This information is fed to the laser as it reshapes your cornea, providing even the smallest details about your aberration and eye movements. This allows your eye surgeon to provide precision correction.

source: Businessreview.com Press Release

Abbott Receives U.S. FDA Clearance to Use iFS Advanced Femtosecond Laser Technology for Arcuate Incisions in Cataract Surgery

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., April 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced today U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance to use its iFS Advanced Femtosecond Laser to create bow-shaped or curved arcuate incisions in corneal surgery, including cataract surgery.

The iFS Laser is currently used to create LASIK flaps and other corneal incisions in the eye and is the fifth generation of IntraLase technology, which has been used in more than 5 million procedures worldwide.

Nearly 3 million patients undergo cataract surgery each year in the United States. With this new clearance, the iFS Laser now gives surgeons the ability to make precise, bladeless arcuate incisions during surgery and customize the incision for each individual patient.

Factors such as placement, length, depth and radius of curvature can influence the surgeon's desired change to the cornea. These parameters can be difficult to control through traditional incisions made by hand using surgical knives. Now, using the iFS Laser, arcuate incisions can be performed with greater precision, predictability and customization than is possible with a manual technique. 

source: PR Newswire

Does Eye Dryness After LASIK Affect Vision?

Chicago, IL (Profitable.com) In LASIK trials conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it was found that as many as 50 percent of LASIK recipients experience an increase in eye dryness during the LASIK recovery period. In most cases, this is a temporary discomfort that can easily be controlled with the use of artificial tears. According to these FDA trials, 20 percent of patients continued to experience dry eyes after six months. In these instances, punctual plugs and medications may be required in addition to artificial tears.

However, nearly all instances of dry eyes diminish within one year of LASIK surgery. The vast majority of LASIK complications are temporary and will resolve on their own given enough time.

When you experience dry eyes after LASIK, your vision may be intermittently blurry. This is one of the advantages of artificial tear drops, as they will keep your eyes lubricated, and assist in providing clear vision.

Dry, irritated, scratchy eyes are actually a common reason people seek LASIK treatment. People who suffer from chronic dry eyes may not be able to comfortably wear contact lenses, making LASIK an ideal alternative. If your dry eyes are severe, your doctor may suggest that you are not an ideal candidate for LASIK, since this procedure has the potential to aggravate dry eye syndrome for a short period of time. However, many patients have found the temporary discomfort well worth the final results. This is a decision best made between you and your ophthalmologist.

source: Profitable.com

Is Bladeless LASIK the "Gold Standard"?

CHICAGO, IL, January 01, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Calling anything the "gold standard" is subjective. Most eye doctors offer their patients a choice when it comes to LASIK because they understand that the needs of each patient are unique. In studies, it has been found that the results offered by both types of LASIK are identical, making the primary difference an increased number of people who can receive LASIK due to all laser technology.

Understanding Traditional vs. Bladeless LASIK
No matter what type of LASIK you have, a flap will need to be made in your cornea allowing your eye doctor to reshape your eye. With traditional LASIK, this is done with a precision surgical instrument called a microkeratome. For bladeless, or all laser LASIK, this is done with a laser. Some doctors take offense to the term "bladeless" as it can imply that there is no need for creating an incision, and that traditional LASIK is somehow a frightening procedure. In truth, both of these procedures require an incision, and both of them are safe, effective, and painless.

This is not to say there aren't any differences between all-laser and traditional LASIK. Lasers are extremely precise, which means people with thinner corneas who are not candidates for traditional LASIK can often have a bladeless LASIK procedure. Due to the precision of the laser, the creation of the flap may also be more even. While there is still no empirical data to support the claim that a bladeless LASIK flap reduces risks for complications, many doctors recommend it due to anecdotal evidence.

source: 24-7 press release

Avedro Announces CE Approval for Lasik Xtra(TM)

WALTHAM, Mass., Jan 04, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Avedro, Inc. announced today that the Company's proprietary Lasik Xtra procedure has received CE Approval. Lasik Xtra is a two minute procedure used in conjunction with standard Lasik to restore the biomechanical integrity and strength to the cornea after a Lasik procedure. Lasik Xtra has been successfully used in thousands of Lasik surgeries outside the US.

"Cross-linking within a LASIK procedure using Lasik Xtra is simple, fast and safe," said A. John Kanellopoulos, MD, a leading refractive surgeon and member of Avedro's Medical Advisory Board. "In studies we'll be reporting at ASCRS in April we've found that after almost two years of follow-up, hyperopes appear to have a completely different clinical course if we employ prophylactic cross-linking in their LASIK procedures. Hyperopic LASIK typically regresses more than myopic LASIK."

Lasik Xtra combines VibeX(TM) (riboflavin ophthalmic solution) with its KXL(TM) System (UVA irradiation) to achieve accelerated corneal cross-linking during a Lasik procedure. "Avedro has the only cross-linking products specifically CE approved for performing Lasik Xtra and we are pleased to offer those products to a growing number of ophthalmologists and their Lasik patients outside the US," said David Muller, CEO of Avedro.

source: Avedro

More Options Available for Those Looking to Have LASIK in 2012

Those looking to have their vision surgically corrected often assume that means they will undergo LASIK surgery. However, thanks to new technology and procedures, there are now multiple options available to surgically correct one’s vision. Those looking to rid themselves of glasses or contact lenses may be confused as to which option, if any, is best for them. Hoopes Vision, a practice offering LASIK in Salt Lake City, Utah as well as other forms of vision correction surgery, is reminding those looking into LASIK surgery to explore all options before committing to have their vision surgically altered.

It is important to visit a facility with surgeons who are experienced and comfortable with a wide range of surgical vision correction options when investigating vision correction surgery. According to Phillip C. Hoopes, MD, chief surgeon at Hoopes Vision and the most experienced LASIK surgeon in Utah, “When determining which form of vision correction surgery is best for an individual, the surgeon must consider the age and health of the patient, degree of refractive prescription to be treated, the patient’s individual vision requirements, and the anatomy of the patient’s eye. Laser vision correction is a popular choice, but some people will be better off with a lens implant. In some cases no current form of vision correction surgery is appropriate.”

source: PR Web

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

Excel Eye Center in Provo, Utah, Purchases the VISX Star S4 IR Excimer Laser for LASIK Vision Correction

Excel Eye Center in Provo, Utah, is now able to provide a more convenient, comfortable and precise LASIK experience for patients with the purchase of the VISX S4 Excimer Laser.

“We decided to purchase the laser rather than use a mobile unit for several reasons, the greatest being the ability to have the laser remain stationary and permanently located in a room with stable temperature and humidity. This lets us meet our strict operating standards for laser calibration and usage,” said W Scott Lohner MD, LASIK surgeon at Excel.

The VISX S4 IR laser is FDA approved and has been used in over 5 million procedures providing the best in safety, accuracy and comfort. The technology is so advanced, it is even used by NASA for their astronaut corp. The laser produces some of the smoothest corneal surface and decreased night glare with a shorter procedure time to increase patient comfort.

“I am so very grateful to have 20/20 vision and to be lens free. No more contacts, solutions, cleansing, irritations or pain. No more groping in the dark for glasses. I was able to go scuba diving in the Caribbean and see everything perfectly...without corrective lenses! Only those who have eyesight restored to its perfect state can truly understand how thrilling it is to SEE,” said Sandi, a LASIK patient at Excel Eye Center.

source: PRWeb

Laser flap complications during LASIK surgery are infrequent and treatable, study finds

Intraoperative LASIK eye surgery complications related to the creation of the corneal flap with a femtosecond laser are infrequent and usually can be corrected during the same surgical session, according to a study published in Journal of Refractive Surgery.

Researchers at the University of Utah (Salt Lake City) and the University of Iowa (Iowa City) conducted a prospective study of 3,009 consecutive all-laser LASIK surgeries performed from August 2002 through July 2009. In all cases, the LASIK flap was created with an IntraLase femtosecond laser (Abbott Medical Optics).

Analysis of the study data revealed only 11 intraoperative complications occurred (0.37 percent).

Of these, there were eight cases of a break in the suction between the head of the laser and the cornea. Seven of these were treated with reapplication of the laser; one case was treated with surgical dissection of the side-cut of the flap edge.

One case of incomplete flap creation was treated with surgical dissection and two adherent flaps were treated with reapplication of laser energy and surgical dissection.

All eleven LASIK surgeries with intraoperative laser flap complications were successfully completed during the same operative session.

source: Refractive Surgery News

OptiMedica’s Catalys™ Precision Laser System Study Published in Science Translational Medicine Shows Marked Advancement in Cataract Surgery

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Global ophthalmic device company OptiMedica Corp. has announced that results from a clinical study of its Catalys Precision Laser System were published in the peer-reviewed journal Science Translational Medicine (“Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery with Integrated Optical Coherence Tomography,” Volume 2, Issue 58, November 17, 2010). The data showed that, when compared to manual techniques, the Catalys Precision Laser System helped surgeons achieve significant improvement in precision during several critical steps of cataract surgery.

“These study results clearly indicate that a femtosecond laser with integrated Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging, advanced optics and control software can provide multiple benefits for cataract surgery,” said the study’s lead author Daniel Palanker, associate professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Hansen Experimental Physics Laboratory, Stanford University. “We believe the new laser-assisted technique represents a significant scientific and clinical advancement that will make cataract surgery much more precise and reproducible, and we are gratified that Science Translational Medicine has recognized its importance and potential.”

As reported in the published study, approximately one third of Americans will undergo cataract surgery in their lifetime. While advancements in surgical technique have occurred over the last several decades, several critical steps remain manual in nature and can only be performed with limited precision.

source: Business Wire

IRIDEX Granted U.S. Patent for MicroPulse(TM) Technology - A Fine Dose Control Technology Enabling Tissue Sparing Eye Surgeries With Visible Lasers

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Aug 18, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- IRIDEX Corporation (Nasdaq: IRIX) today announced the receipt of issuance of U.S. Patent No. 7,771,417, titled "Laser System with Short Pulse Characteristics And Its Method Of Use." This patent applies to the company's MicroPulse(TM) technology which provides the ophthalmologist with fine dose control of laser energy during eye surgery. Ophthalmologists are using MicroPulse technology to treat patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy and other sight-threatening retinal and glaucoma disorders. Treatments using MicroPulse technology demonstrate favorable outcomes and significantly less damage to healthy retinal structures compared to traditional continuous wave laser treatment.

"MicroPulse technology enables Tissue Sparing Photocoagulation, a controlled laser dosing approach which induces the long-term benefits of laser procedures with no detectable tissue damaging side effects," commented Theodore A. Boutacoff, President and CEO. "The company has developed this technology over a number of years using infrared laser systems and its clinical efficacy has been reported in over 45 peer reviewed publications. Extending our MicroPulse technology from our infrared laser systems to our visible laser systems and being granted a patent to protect this proprietary technology for visible laser systems is important because the majority of lasers sold today are visible wavelength laser systems."

source: Iridex

IRIDEX Granted U.S. Patent for Adjustable Laser Probe for Eye Surgery

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IRIDEX Corporation (Nasdaq: IRIX) today announced the receipt of an Issue Notification from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for U.S. Patent No. 7,766,904, "Adjustable Laser Probe For Use In Vitreoretinal Surgery." This patent applies to a number of consumable medical devices already in the IRIDEX product line, collectively identified and sold as Adjustable and Intuitive EndoProbe® laser handpieces.

The Adjustable Laser Probe speeds up treatments by allowing continuous adjustment of the optical fiber over a wide range of angles for full coverage of the peripheral retina without requiring removal and reinsertion of the probe from the eye.

"We continue to focus on ways to increase the value of our consumable instrumentation line by offering novel and creative product solutions to our ophthalmic customers which in turn will help us grow our business," stated Theodore A. Boutacoff, President and CEO, "and to reconfirm our corporate position as a leader in our market."

"The issuance of this patent is valuable to IRIDEX because it helps us maintain the differentiation of our vitreoretinal product line from those of our competitors, and we plan to capitalize on the leverage afforded by this new patent by expanding this product line in the near future."

source: PR Newswire

iFS LASIK Corrects Vision with No Blades and Removes Risks Associated with Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are a great way to get rid of your glasses, but they come with some complications - especially if they're not properly cared for. Recurring eye infections can lead to corneal scarring and even blindness if not treated. For those who are candidates for LASIK, new advances have made it safer than ever.

As featured recently on The Doctors, the Advanced IntraLase Femtosecond Laser (iFS) is a way to correct your eyesight without a single cut with a blade. Bladeless LASIK removes the primary risk factor of LASIK which was cutting the eye with a blade. New highly accurate lasers are available to create the flap for LASIK correction that are even an added improvement over first models.

Dr. Chis Cabler of the laser vision center in Houston, TX says, "The iFS Advanced Femtosecond Laser is the latest iteration of the IntraLase Femtosecond Laser. The major difference is that the newer version is purported to provide a more stable LASIK flap due to an inverted bevel side cut. Theoretically, this should keep the flap in place and avoid “striae” or wrinkling." Dr. Cabler uses the original iFS laser and says, "both lasers are more accurate and safer than the mechanical microkeratomes we used to use."

source: American Health & Beauty

State-Of-The-Art Multifocal LASIK Available and Affordable Only In Mexico Vision Clinics

December 30, 2009 (FPRC) -- CHULA VISTA, CA Leading U.S. based medical experts, Angeles Health International is pioneering the field of eye surgery with its brand new LASIK Mexico alternative. The brand new procedure is designed to permanently correct multifocal vision impairments.

Angeles Health International (AHI) is a U.S. based organization that organizes medical travel Mexico on behalf of the largest private hospital network in Mexico. The Angeles hospitals can be found at various locations across Mexico, including Juarez, Guadalajara, Tijuana, Puebla, and Lomas and Pedregal in Mexico City. Each state-of-the-art hospital provides top quality medical care to patients. Angeles prides itself on its patient-centric mandate and as a result provides attentive and personalized care. Additionally all patients are treated by highly skilled and trained staff.

The PRESBYLASIK procedure uses the latest FDA technology VISX STAR S4 for multifocal, custom wave front correction of presbyopia. In laymans terms existing LASIK procedures for presbyopia is monofocal and adjusts one eye for distance and the other for vision. The new PRESBYLASIK multifocal LASIK procedure however revolutionizes this field by zoning the lens of both eyes for seeing near and far distances, thus giving patients the ability to use both their eyes as normal.

source: Free Press Release Center

TLCVision to Restructure Debt in Pre-Arranged Chapter 11 Filing

ST. LOUIS, MO--(Marketwire - December 21, 2009) - TLC Vision Corporation (NASDAQ: TLCV) (TSX: TLC), North America's premier eye care services company, said today that it has reached an agreement with holders of a majority of the Company's senior secured debt to restructure its balance sheet.

To expedite its financial restructuring, which includes a pre-arranged plan of reorganization, the Company and two of its wholly owned subsidiaries, TLC Vision (USA) Corporation and TLC Management Services Inc., have filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. In addition, the Company is seeking a recognition of its Chapter 11 filing in a case that it is commencing in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice under the Canadian Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act. No other company operations, affiliates or subsidiaries -- including its TLC Laser Eye Centers -- are involved in the filing.

TLCVision said clinical care for patients continues without change or interruption. TLCVision will continue to honor the TLC Lifetime Commitment. The Company also said the filing will not affect its on-going commitments to current employees.



source: MarketWire

Laser Eye Surgery Turns 21

December 02, 2009 - Press Dispensary - Laser Eye Surgery comes of age at the end of 2009 as the procedure reaches its 21st birthday. It’s not only an iconic age but represents 21 years of freedom without complications.

The world’s first laser eye surgery operation was performed in Germany in 1988, inspired by an eye injury in which a damaged cornea gave an unexpected vision improvement to the short-sighted owner.

In the 21 years since, it has become the most commonly performed private procedure in the UK, with half a million people believed to have undergone the treatment to date. Around 300,000 have chosen Optimax, the UK’s only specialist laser eye surgery clinic chain, which has 23 clinics nationwide.

Across the world, some 30 million people have had laser eye surgery. For many it has meant an end to the inconvenience of glasses and lenses, and has enabled people embark on careers and pursuits which would otherwise be impossible. Its acceptance is now more or less universal, approved by the police, armed forces and even NASA, which discovered that using lenses and solutions was difficult in zero gravity conditions. No long term complications have arisen.

source: Optimax

Laser eye surgery doesn't damage corneas, study suggests

While many people have undergone various vision-correction procedures in which laser light is used to reshape the cornea, there has been some people in and out of the medical profession who have worried the operations were causing damage that would eventually become apparent.

Seeking to determine if these concerns are justified, doctors at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., set out to assess the risk to corneas posed by two popular laser vision-correction procedures, photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, and laser in situ keratomileusis, better known as LASIK.

Two Mayo doctors, Sanjay V. Patel and William M. Bourne, studied 29 eyes of 16 patients who had undergone LASIK or PRK.

Photographs of the endothelial cells lining the corneas were taken and analyzed before and nine years after surgery.

What Patel and Bourne discovered and reported in an article published in the Archives of Ophthalmology was that after nine years the eyes that had been corrected with PRK or LASIK had experienced a 5.3 percent reduction in the density of corneal endothelial cells.

source: Tampa Bay Online

FDA To Investigate Quality Of Life Problems Following LASIK Eye Surgery

The US Food and Drug Administration has launched a collaborative study to investigate the potential impact of Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) eye surgery on patients' quality of life. The project will seek to establish the proportion of LASIK patients in the US who experience significant post-procedure quality of life problems such as blurred vision and dry eyes.

The FDA announced the launch of the LASIK Quality of Life Collaboration Project on Thursday. The agency will be collaborating with the National Eye Institute and the US Department of Defense.

source: Medical News Today

Laser technology may soon be used for corneal transplants

SINGAPORE: In what could be a medical breakthrough in Singapore, corneal transplants may soon be carried out using laser technology instead of by hand.

You've probably heard of Lasik surgery to correct short-sightedness. That same technology could be used to perform corneal transplants.

Clinical trials are underway and the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) hopes to offer it to patients within a year.

Professor Donald Tan, director of Singapore National Eye Centre, said: "Being able to use the laser to do most of the surgery means far greater precision, accuracy and that will immediately translate into much better vision, much better results and also of course, the surgery will be much easier."

SNEC is collaborating with a team in Italy and it hopes that some 80% to 90% of corneal transplants can eventually be performed with laser.

source: ChannelNewsAsia

Davis Vision Center Publishes Study Comparing LASIK Costs to Wearing Eyeglasses and Contacts Over a Lifetime

Salt Lake City, UT (PRWEB) September 21, 2009 -- Undergoing a LASIK procedure could save a 20 year-old up to $48,000 over a lifetime and could pay for itself in as little as three years, claims a recent in-house study by Davis Vision Center of Salt Lake City. The study is published at http://www.davisvisionmd.com/blog/lasik-costs/lasik-vs-glasses-contacts/.

The convenience alone of getting LASIK is generally worth the cost
Our goal in publishing this information is to help anyone who is researching LASIK costs to see the economic savings in the long run.
The study was based on approximations of industry-standard prices for vision correction in the United States, which are compared against the current U.S. average lifespan of 77.7 years of age.

The cost analysis also found that the yearly cost of wearing prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses combined can total up to $1,004, a price that exceeds the average costs associated with LASIK treatment ($3,000 with an annual eye exam estimated to cost $105) within three years.

Davis Vision Center compiled the study in response to a combination of an increasing number of inquiries at Davis Vision Center about the cost of LASIK treatment, and the apparent lack of published data available online. Very few resources are available for researching the difference between the cost undergoing a LASIK procedure and the cost of wearing prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses over a lifetime.

source: PR Web

Ultraelite – New advancement in laser eye technology

Ultralase, the vision correction specialist, has today announced the launch of a new treatment, Ultraelite. Ultraelite uses technology which has the potential to deliver the best quality of vision of any laser eye surgery currently available to the UK and Irish market and will be offered at Ultralase clinics nationwide.

Using technology more advanced than is available on any other laser platform, Ultraelite represents the pinnacle of laser treatment options and has promise to deliver the most precise and accurate laser vision correction available in the UK and Ireland.

The new surgery benefits from building on existing treatments using wavefront technology. Whilst existing earlier wavefront treatments produce excellent quality of vision and patient satisfaction, detailed scientific analysis identified one more way to make the treatment better still, the result being the development of Ultraelite.

Constantly at the forefront of vision correction, Ultraelite has undergone extensive development work and trials with outstanding results. Singapore was chosen as the venue for this development and testing, boasting a wealth of highly experienced laser surgeons. The results of the testing show that 99.3% of those treated reported improvement in the quality of their vision.

source: Realwire

In Mature LASIK Market, Competition, Recession Bring Down Prices

NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwire) -- 07/08/09 -- Up to half of the world's population will need corrective vision at some stage in their lives. But only about 10% of them will be diagnosed and treated, leaving an enormous potential pool of customers. Fulfilling this demand for both traditional and advanced refractive vision correction (RVC) treatments will propel the ophthalmology market to become one of the largest healthcare sectors over the next ten years. According to a new report from leading life science market research publisher Kalorama Information, "Advances in Ophthalmology: Markets in the Treatment of Eye Disorders and Corrective Vision, 2nd Edition," the popular RVC procedure LASIK is performed between 1.1 and 1.4 million per year in the U.S. alone and physician fees exceed $2 billion per year.

LASIK surgery was first introduced more than ten years ago and is now a mature industry with many providers and healthy 95% patient satisfaction rate. But this pool of candidates is diminishing in part due to fears of falling in the 2-5% of patients who experience problems and partly due to the current recession -- in early 2009 some clinics reported a 50% decrease in surgeries compared to early 2008. Patients are waiting out the economy before spending money on elective procedures.

"The U.S. LASIK market is approaching saturation and that's great for consumers," says Bruce Carlson, publisher of Kalorama Information. "Competition between vision care centers, ophthalmologist offices, and eye clinics has pushed prices down making LASIK procedures affordable to many more prospective patients. Special advertised pricing, promotions, and payment and financing plans are also bringing in new patients."

source: Marketwire

Sharfstein Investigates LASIK Patients’ Complaints

FDA acting commissioner Joshua Sharfstein told FDA Webview 5/21 that he is looking into complaints of many LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) eye vision enhancement surgery patients that the agency has failed to honor its commitments to investigate their complaints since 2006 that the technique has unacceptable risks.

The primary issue in their complaints is that, with an adverse-reaction risk factor in excess of 5% (patient dissatisfaction) rate at six months, nobody is doing research on the procedure’s long-term quality-of-life. It involves either blade- or laser-cutting of flaps in the corneal surface layer that patients complain never heal. A post-operative trauma to the patient’s head at any time can forever open the flap and allow the entry of viruses and bacteria to the stromal layer beneath, with commensurate vision impairment and even blindness.

According to the injured patients, despite the procedure's 95% success rate, the extent of failures exceeds FDA’s allowable 1% limit and the agency has failed for three years to address petitions submitted since 2006 that sought enforcement of mandatory adverse event reporting (MDR) requirements on facilities performing LASIK procedures. They allege an effective FDA conspiracy with for-profit LASIK surgery surgeons in concealing true adverse event rates.

source: FDA News Alert

Boston Laser Eye Surgery Clinic use advanced Lasik procedures to improve Patient’s vision

(NewDesignWorld Press Release Center) -- A growing number of people are choosing to undergo the Laser eye surgery procedure known as iLasik. More than 2 million people in the USA have had laser eye surgery and demand is growing as awareness of its benefits grows among consumers. This new development in laser vision correction is helping people see without glasses or contacts, freeing them to live normally. Athletes and former athletes are also choosing to have their vision improved with iLasik. The success rate and satisfaction being reported is spreading the word about laser vision correction.

Boston Laser, a leading laser surgery clinic is lead by one of the renowned experts in the field of laser assisted surgery. Dr. Samir Melki is a leading authority on Cataract, Corneal and Laser Vision Correction Surgery. After more than 6,000 procedures, his experience and technical skills are much sought after by patients. It’s their only set of eyes and they are looking for specialists with the skill and proven technology.

source: NewDesignWorld

Kevin Niksarli, MD of Manhattan Lasik Center Announces Successful Use of iLASIK Procedure Incorporating Monovision

The recent FDA approval of iLASIK procedure for monovision now allows surgeons to more accurately correct the distance as well as the near vision of presbyopes, states Kevin Niksarli, MD of Manhattan Lasik Center. This has made LASIK, an already great and popular procedure, even more versatile for those with presbyopia.

New York, NY (PRWEB) February 17, 2009 -- Beginning in the mid 40s, everyone with good distance vision starts to experience blurred vision at near points, such as when reading a book, newspaper, putting on eye make-up or even working at the computer. This happens to everyone with good distance vision, even if they never used glasses before, states Kevin Niksarli, MD of Manhattan Lasik Center.

Kevin Niksarli, MD estimates that approximately 100 million people in the United States either have presbyopia, or will develop it by 2016. This is generating a huge demand for eyewear, contact lenses, and surgery that can help presbyopes deal with their failing near vision.

source: eMediaWire

Soldiers in line for laser eye surgery

Canada's military is moving toward surgically enhancing the vision of its soldiers, sailors and airmen, hoping to better equip them for combat and other demanding jobs -- without the hassle of eyeglasses or contact lenses.

The Department of National Defence recently issued a tender for contractors to develop a detailed laser eye surgery program, noting that corrected vision is particularly important in certain military trades.

The operation would give troops in the field an advantage over having to wear spectacles or contacts, said Dr. Walter Delpero, who was the Canadian Forces' chief of opthalmology until he retired from military service in 1996.

"The big question is, what happens if you lose your corrective vision," said Dr. Delpero, who is now in private practice and teaches at the University of Ottawa.

source: National Post

Abbott Expands Its Growing Medical Device Business With Acquisition of Advanced Medical Optics (AMO)

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. and SANTA ANA, Calif., Jan. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) and Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) (NYSE: EYE) announced today a definitive agreement for Abbott to acquire AMO for $22 per share in cash, for a total transaction value of approximately $2.8 billion, inclusive of estimated net debt at the time of closing. Based in Santa Ana, Calif., AMO is a global leader in ophthalmic care, comprised of three segments: cataract surgery, laser vision correction (LASIK), and eye care products. Globally, AMO holds the number one position in LASIK surgical devices, the number two position in the cataract surgical device market and the number three position in contact lens care products.

"Through superior vision care technologies and service, AMO has established itself as a leader in this multi-billion dollar medical device segment. With AMO, Abbott is enhancing and strengthening its diverse mix of medical device businesses and gaining a leadership position in another large and growing segment," said Miles D. White, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott. "Additionally, Abbott's significant global presence will help drive growth opportunities for this business, especially in international markets, where favorable demographics are driving demand for advanced eye care procedures and products."

source: Advanced Medical Optics

Dello Russo Laser Vision Opens New LASIK Eye Surgery Center in Long Island, NY

Long Island, NY (PRWeb) December 19, 2008 -- Dello Russo Laser Vision, family-run Tri-state area Lasik eye surgery center, announces the opening of its newest facility in Long Island, NY, making consultations and evaluations for LASIK eye surgery at 1979 Marcus Avenue, New Hyde Park - a location which is easily accessible to residents of the area. Having just opened its doors on December 10, 2008, Drs. Dello Russo and the staff believe that the center will fill a formerly unmet need in Long Island for their well-known brand of All-Laser Wavelight Lasik, using a combination of the Intralase and Wavelight Laser technologies. The procedure takes only 10 minutes from start to finish for both eyes.

According to Drs. Dello Russo, the area in which the new office opened has thus far had an absence of All-Laser Lasik WL machines and know-how, techniques which were introduced by Dr Jeffrey Dello Russo back in 2002. The Dello Russo family aims to correct that deficiency. Dr. Joseph Dello Russo said he was "surprised to find out that the Long Island area has been underserved for All-laser Lasik. Over the years we've noticed that a significant number of our patients had come across the East River to our Manhattan Office and decided to serve them better by opening a new office in a more convenient location."

source: eMediaWire

Beware Eye-Op ‘Tourism’, Warns LasikSurgeryRX.com

LasikSurgeryRX.com (www.lasiksurgeryrx.com), a Lasik surgery resource site, has today warned patients to take care when considering travelling abroad for eye-operations, and to ensure they do their homework before jetting off to save on medical bills.

(11 December 2008) - - LasikSurgeryRX.com (www.lasiksurgeryrx.com), a Lasik eye surgery information site, has today issued a stark warning to patients considering travelling abroad to save on medical bills, urging them to ‘fully consider’ the potential dangers and pitfalls of travelling abroad to receive medical treatment.

LasikSurgeryRX.com, which provides patients with information and resources relating to Lasik eye surgery to help better inform their decisions, has warned that inferior medical care, a lack of formal medical regulation and unhygienic conditions often encountered by travelling patients could pose a serious health threat.

source: WebWire

Laser clinics in optimistic mood

Despite the economic climate, 2008 has witnessed the largest expansion of refractive surgery clinics since 2002, the findings of Optician's annual refractive surgery survey have revealed.

The survey identified 128 clinics in the UK, 23 more than 2007 and further clinics have opened since the research was conducted.

According to the chief executives of Optical Express and Ultralase, the UK's largest laser treatment specialists, the refractive surgery market can sustain recent expansion by both companies and is well-placed to weather the recession.

'We're still seeing growth from our new clinics and those we've owned historically,' said David Moulsdale, chairman and chief executive of Optical Express. Acknowledging that the market would start to be affected by recession, he added: 'People's discretionary spending is becoming more careful.'

source: Optician Online

LASIK Washington DC Surgeons Announce Winner ...

26-year-old Jennifer Boozel of Baltimore is the winner of the Destroy Your Glasses Contest, sponsored by the Eye Doctors of Washington in the DC and Maryland area. Jennifer's video was picked out of 15 submitted entries. The winning submission can be viewed at edow.com.

The Destroy Your Glasses contest invited individuals to come up with the most creative way of obliterating their glasses and capturing it on video. The prize? A free laser vision correction procedure at Eye Doctors of Washington, a Washington DC LASIK center. What's more, everybody who entered a video in the contest received a $1000 discount on LASIK, and our Eye Doctors of Washington donated a pair of eyeglasses for each submission.

PR Web

Refractive Surgical Practices In HIV-Positive Persons

ScienceDaily (Nov. 11, 2008) — People who are HIV-positive are now living longer, healthier lives, thanks to antiretroviral therapy and other treatment advances, and the number of HIV-positive people seeking LASIK, intraocular lenses following cataract removal, and similar procedures is likely to grow in coming years.

Ahmad A. Aref, M.D., Pennsylvania State Hershey Eye Center, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, and colleagues recently investigated current care practices and opinions by sending a confidential online questionnaire to members of the International Society of Refractive Surgery of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

source: Science Daily (press release)

Economy takes toll on Lasik eye surgeries

By TERRY KINNEY

The number of vision correction surgeries performed by one of the nation's largest Lasik providers continues to plummet, mostly because money is tight and people are buying bread and milk rather than expensive cosmetic or elective surgery, analysts say.

At LCA-Vision Inc., which operates 77 LasikPlus vision correction centers in 33 states, the number of procedures is down by half from a year ago, and the company has slashed advertising, cut staff and suspended dividends.

"It's 99 percent the economy," said analyst Peter Bye, who follows the industry for Jefferies & Co. in New York.

"It's very substitutable," he said of Lasik. "Take the typical customer, a 30-year-old or 35-year-old who has been wearing contacts for 15 years. If money's tight, he says 'I'll do it next year.'"

source: Business Week

Historic LASIK Surgery Performed on Quadriplegic Patient to Preserve his Communication Abilities

BERGENFIELD, N.J., Nov. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Eric Abrue
(30), a quadriplegic patient who is dependent on a
respirator since he was eight years old, had a historic
and highly successful LASIK procedure performed
by Drs. Jeffrey and Joseph Dello Russo. Eric fell from
a monkey bar in a playground in 1986, breaking his
neck and severing his spinal cord. Since that day, he
suffers from Quadriplegia, being totally unable to move any
part of his body below his upper neck down and is able to
breath on his ownonly for a short period of time without
the use of a respirator.

Eric is the first quadriplegic patient in the world who
underwent LASIK, using the Wavelight Eye-Q and a special
WL Swivel Chair. Eric, who is now thirty, is dependent for
all his needs on an around-the-clock care giver. He runs a
successful music production company, attends a college
online and designs his own T-shirt line. He was using
eyeglasses to see his computer clearly but in the last few
months has found out that wearing glasses did little to clear
up his vision, and the images became after
using the computer for 14-16 hours per day.

source:PR Newswire

LCA-Vision Named Provider for New Insured Lasik Product

CINCINNATI, Oct 28, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- LCA-Vision Inc, a leading provider of laser vision correction services under the LasikPlus(R) brand, today announced that it will serve as a network laser vision provider for a new insurance benefit underwritten by a nationally known, "A-" (Excellent) rated insurance carrier, Standard Security Life Insurance Company of New York. The benefit provides members covered by sponsoring health plans a one-time allowance from the insurance company of up to $600 for covered laser vision correction procedures. This benefit is being made available to healthcare plans, employer groups and unions.

"Procedure cost is a major factor in the patient's decision-making process. We believe this innovative product will act as a catalyst for insured members interested in laser vision correction, but concerned about the price," said Steven C. Straus, Chief Executive Officer of LCA-Vision. "To our knowledge, this is the first offering of this kind for laser vision correction services and we are delighted to be named a network provider."

source:MarketWatch

LasikAbroad.co.uk Helps Patients Book Medical Holidays for Laser Eye Surgery in Turkey

Huskvarna, Sweden -- October 24, 2008 -- Western Europeans who want to save money on laser eye surgery have a new option thanks to the Lasik abroad service offered by Salveo Travel. The company arranges medical holidays for patients to receive laser eye treatments in Istanbul where, for less than the cost of surgery alone at home, patients can receive equal or better treatment from qualified doctors and a return ticket to Turkey. Medical holidays are designed to give patients more affordable treatment options with a short holiday in one trip, all while saving money.

“Sometimes the cost of laser eye surgery at home can be a deterrent to getting treatment,” says Habil Kantur, founder of LasikAbroad.co.uk . “Getting eye surgery in Turkey is a solution for those who want the Lasik surgery, but who don’t want to pay the high prices associated with the procedure in the UK or elsewhere. The surgery costs much less in Istanbul due to cost of living differences, but the quality is equal to or better than the same treatment at clinics elsewhere. We only collaborate with accredited and highly qualified doctors and medical facilities. Patients can spend less than they would at home, but get more – quality treatment and a short holiday at the same time.”

source: MM Newswire

A ray of light for the myopic

NEW technology with the ability to track rotation of the eyeball during laser eye surgery is offering hope to those with serious myopia and astigmatism.

Such patients were previously deterred from opting for Laser-Assisted In situ Keratomileusis or LASIK, a type of refractive laser eye surgery used to correct myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness) and astigmatism, said consultant ophthalmologist and eye surgeon Dr Michael Law Sie Haur.

The new technology called Zyoptix Advanced Control Eyetracking (ACE) adjusts for eye rotation in any direction within 15 degrees during LASIK surgery, thus ensuring that the laser beam is always aimed at the correct intended spot on the cornea.

article: NST Online

Akorn, Inc. Announces the FDA Approval of Akten(TM) Ophthalmic Gel 3.5%

LAKE FOREST, Ill., Oct 08, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Akorn, Inc. (AKRX:
AKRX today announced the FDA approval of NDA 22-221 for Akten(TM) Ophthalmic Gel 3.5%, a topical, ocular anesthetic formulation. The NDA was filed June 29, 2007 following the results from a randomized, placebo controlled, Phase III clinical trial in 209 subjects who met the primary endpoint in all three dosing arms (p<0.001). Akten(TM) is the first NDA ocular anesthetic approved by the FDA in four decades, and will be launched in October 2008.

Akten(TM) is a novel, unit dose, preservative free lidocaine gel product, stored at room temperature and intended to be used in any ocular procedure that requires a topical anesthetic agent. The estimated market size for Akten(TM) is approximately eleven million procedures annually. The major procedures include cataract surgery, refractive surgery, Lasik surgery, and intravitreal injection. Akorn has filed two United States patents and one International patent on the formulation and method of use of Akten(TM).

source: MarketWatch