Custom Lasik vs. Traditional Lasik

Custom LASIK is a huge advance on traditional LASIK. There are several companies that manufacture LASIK systems for custom LASIK, each with its own trade name. The VISX CustomVue system is one of the best-known systems, used by many highly-qualified LASIK surgeons who want to give their patients the best vision correction possible. There is also Alcon’s CustomCornea® and the Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix system, both excellent.

Custom LASIK, regardless of which company manufactured the equipment, uses a mapping system to diagnose the exact contours of each of your eyes. This data then guides the laser in your treatment. This is known as Wavefront-guided LASIK, and it yields excellent vision results. Traditional LASIK does not use a Wavefront system.

source: Best Syndication

Lasik and Children

/24-7PressRelease/ - March 23, 2008 - LASIK (Laser-Assisted in SItu Keratomileusis) is a safe and effective procedure approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use on adults aged 18 or older. However, it is not approved for children, and it is not likely to be in the near future. To understand why, let us briefly talk first about how the eye works and how LASIK corrects it.

How the Eye Works
The eye is a like a camera, with a pair of lenses, one the lens, the other the cornea, that focus light reflected from objects onto the back of the eye, the retina. At the retina, the light is interpreted and transformed into a signal that is transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve.

source: 24-7 Press Release

Lasik critics feel shunned by FDA

Sabine Vollmer

As federal regulators prepare to hold their first hearing on how complications from laser eye surgery affect a patient's quality of life, patients are worried that they are being shut out.

The Food and Drug Administration has said it will hold a public hearing on the issue this spring, but patients who have requested to speak at the event cannot get confirmation from the FDA on the date, time or location, said Michael Patterson, a lasik patient from Atlanta.

source: The News&Observer

FDA-backed task force scrutinizing data on quality of life after LASIK

By Matt Hasson

Leaders in ophthalmology have responded swiftly to a syndicated news report that presented suicide as a potential complication of LASIK surgery, citing a review of patient satisfaction data that showed 95.4% of LASIK patients were satisfied with visual outcomes over the last decade.

According to information provided by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the United States had similar rates to the rest of the world.

Kerry D. Solomon, MD, spearheaded the review as part of a large-scale collaborative effort to assess post-LASIK patient satisfaction and quality of life. Dr. Solomon reviewed data from 19 studies involving about 2,200 patients. Final results are expected to be presented at the upcoming ASCRS meeting in Chicago, according to the society.

source: OSN Supersite

Ophthalmic organizations, government agencies join forces to discuss clinical trial for dissatisfied LASIK patients

SAN FRANCISCO — The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and the American Academy of Ophthalmology, in conjunction with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the National Eye Institute, have assembled a joint task force charged with formulating a viable study design to identify dissatisfied post-LASIK patients, define their significant symptoms and evaluate the influence of those symptoms on quality of life, according to a joint press release from ASCRS and AAO.

The collaboration marks the first time that the FDA has called for counsel from external organizations concerning the design of such a study, the release said.

source: OSN Supersite

Surgeon: New excimer laser exceeds expectations

ALICANTE, Spain — With the new Schwind Amaris excimer laser system, which "redefines perfection in corneal refractive surgery," the sixth generation of excimer lasers is born, according to a surgeon speaking here at the Alicante Refractiva International meeting.

Jorge L. Alió, MD, PhD, Ocular Surgery News Europe/Asia-Pacific Edition Editorial Board Chairman and chairman of the Alicante meeting, described his early surgical results and impressions of the laser system.



source: OSN Supersite

LASIK Patients Report More Than 95 Percent Satisfaction Rate Worldwide, First Study of Global Scientific Literature Finds

FAIRFAX, Va. - (Business Wire) Worldwide, an average 95.4 percent of LASIK patients are satisfied with their new vision, according to the first review of the world body of scientific literature, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) announced today.

With 16.3 million patients having had LASIK worldwide, and more than a decade of clinical study and technological innovation behind it, LASIK is considered among the most successful elective procedures available today.

“We find that there is solid evidence in the world’s scientific literature to affirm that there is an exceptionally high level of satisfaction in patients who have had LASIK surgery. While no surgery is perfect, certainly the 19 peer-reviewed studies of 2,199 patients show extremely high satisfaction rates,” said Richard L. Lindstrom, M.D., president of the ASCRS.

source: The Earth Times

LASIK safety

Richard L. Lindstrom, MD

This is in response to "LASIK failure toll can be high; FDA to study effects of complications from eye surgery; some blame them for depression, suicide" (News, Feb. 25). The premise of the article was based upon incomplete, unpublished, anecdotal research, and does a disservice to the millions of Americans who elect to undergo vision correction surgery each year.

It was irresponsible reporting to draw a connection between LASIK and suicide. In fact, the authors of the referenced Emory University study abandoned their work because they were concerned about possible bias in reporting suicide rates in LASIK patients.

read Dr. Lindstroms complete post in chicagotribune.com

Athletes love Lasik surgery; team managers, doctors wary of its risks

Bill Lubinger and Mike Kroner

Babe Ruth set slugging records with a lazy eye. Had there been a surgery to correct it, no telling what stratosphere the Bambino may have reached.

Unlike steroids or human growth hormone, Lasik eye surgery -- a procedure that uses lasers to correct common vision problems -- isn't banned from sports for unnaturally boosting physical ability. So even athletes at the top of their games, from LeBron James and Tiger Woods to sure Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux, have gone under the laser.

In fact, Woods and Indians shortstop Jhonny Peralta, who had Lasik done before the 2007 season, are ad pitchmen for the companies that tweaked their vision.

complete article: Cleveland Plain Dealer

Scientists discover who is likely to get dry eye syndrome after LASIK surgery

Scientists at Schepens Eye Research Institute have found that people with a certain low level of tear production are more likely to develop chronic dry eye syndrome after LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis), laser refractive surgery to correct near- and far-sightedness than those with more plentiful tears. Their research, published in the January issue of Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science, may offer reliable prescreening criteria for ophthalmologists and patients.

“These findings should help ophthalmologists determine if pretreatment is necessary before surgery or if surgery is appropriate at all for an individual,” says Dr. Darlene Dartt, director of the Military Vision Research Program at Schepens Eye Research Institute and the principal investigator of the study.

complete article at Physorg.com

Johns Hopkins APL Licenses Eye Drops That Reduce Laser-Surgery ‘Haze’

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) of Laurel, Md., has licensed a nationally and internationally patented formula for eye drops that could speed healing and prevent cloudiness after laser vision-correction surgery.

The exclusive licensing agreement allows Illinois-based AdPharma, Inc. to develop, seek regulatory approval for and market the drops, invented by APL researcher David Silver with collaborators Adrienne Csutak, András Berta and József Tőzsér of the University Medical School of Debrecen, Hungary.

Studies have shown that nearly one in 10 laser-surgery patients develops hazy vision several months after the operation. In some cases the effects can last a year or longer. The APL-developed drops would prevent this “haze” from forming in the cornea.

source: Johns Hopkins University

InView Vision Laser Surgery Center Continues Revolutionizing Eye Health with the Optomap(R)

InView, The Leader in Vision Correction now offers the optomap(R) Retinal Examination as a standard testing procedure to all patients who visit the practice for a pre-LASIK vision correction surgery evaluation. The optomap(R) is a comprehensive retinal examination that allows the doctors at InView the ability to get a comprehensive view of the eye prior to laser surgery. InView is the only Atlanta LASIK center to offer the revolutionary technology of the optomap(R). The optomap(R) retinal image provides a much larger view (200 degrees) of the back of the eye -- the retina -- than conventional eye exam equipment.

source: PR Inside

LASIK failure toll can be high

Sabine Vollmer

RALEIGH, N.C. - Patients who undergo vision-correcting laser eye surgery sign a release form with an extensive list of risks, but some researchers and former patients say a potential complication is not mentioned: depression that can lead to suicide.

In response to patient complaints, the Food and Drug Administration plans to convene a large, national study to examine the relationship of LASIK complications and quality of life, including psychological problems such as depression.

Chicago Tribune

SynergEyes, Inc. Launches New Post-Surgical Hybrid Contact Lens

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- SynergEyes, Inc.,
of Carlsbad, CA, recently launched a revolutionary hybrid
contact lens designed for people who need further vision
correction after undergoing refractive vision surgery.
SynergEyes(R) PS (post-surgical) is also designed for
people who have experienced some type of corneal
trauma or suffer from certain degenerative vision
conditions.

SynergEyes(R) PS hybrid contact lenses combine two
materials -- a rigid gas permeable center with a soft
lens outer skirt. The "hybrid" design bonds a "hard"
and "soft" contact lens together resulting in a one-of-
a-kind vision correction option that provides crisp, clear
vision for surgically altered corneas in a comfortable,
healthy contact lens.

source: PR Newswire

It's all in eye of beholder

Juan C. Rodriguez
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

JUPITER - Mark Hendrickson isn't the first pitcher to undergo LASIK eye surgery, but he might be the first that did it to improve his hitting.

After going 1 for 46 with 24 strikeouts since a mid-2006 trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Hendrickson determined he should do better. His vision was a problem.

"My hitting is what pushed me to really do it," said Hendrickson, who the Marlins signed last month to join the rotation. "I wasn't producing the way I wanted to. I expect more of myself at the plate so it got to the point where I said it's time to do it and I did it. I'm seeing everything great. I've only had it for a month, but I'm real happy with it."

complete article at Sun-Sentinel.com

Laser Eye Surgery Prices Plummet In UK

Prices for laser eye surgery treatment in the UK have fallen by up to 80% for correction of short sight. However, tremendous variation between clinics means a difference in price of up to £4,000 for the same glasses prescription.

London, UK (PRWEB) February 20, 2008 -- Recent pricing changes for laser eye surgery across the UK mean people can pay nearly £4,000 more to get rid of their glasses at one clinic compared to another. This means confusion for the 10 million UK adults who suffer from short-sight and who now wonder how price relates to quality of care and results.

For a mild short-sighted prescription, the prices per eye for laser eye surgery range from £295 up to £2,250 using similar technology, surgical training and treatment types.

sourec: PR Web

Troops with contact lenses may get free laser surgery (UK)

David Rose and Michael Evans

Combat troops who wear contact lenses and struggle to cope in the dusty conditions of Iraq and Afghanistan may be offered free laser eye surgery, The Times has been told.

Lieutenant-General Louis Lillywhite, the Surgeon-General, said that he had ordered an internal review because of the pressure he was under to find a solution for troops complaining of eyesight difficulties.

Soldiers have contracted corneal ulcers and other infections after wearing contact lenses for days at a time. Wearing glasses is often considered impractical in the heat of combat. General Lillywhite said that providing laser surgery for combat troops who would normally have to wear corrective lenses was being considered.

source: Times Online

3i eyes growth following deal for Ultralase

LASER eye surgery company Ultralase has been bought for £174.5m by private equity company 3i which plans to expand the group throughout the UK.

Leeds-based Ultralase has treated thousands of patients including Olympic medallists Sir Steve Redgrave, Jonathan Edwards and Sharron Davies as well as Dragons' Den star Duncan Ballantyne.

The company currently operates 17 eye laser clinics in the UK including one on Albion Street in Leeds.

Yorkshire Post

Zecotek Announces New Surgical Laser

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Feb. 14, 2008) - Zecotek Photonics Inc. today announced the introduction of its SL 1.4 Fiber Coupled Laser, designed specifically for surgical applications in the ophthalmic market where it can be used for a variety of coagulatory procedures.

"We are very pleased to be introducing this new laser," said Dr. A.F. Zerrouk, Chairman, President, and CEO of Zecotek. "The SL 1.4 Fiber Coupled Laser has been specifically designed to meet a need in a medical market segment with large growth potential. The laser will form the major component in ophthalmic laser systems. We see this as another excellent example of Zecotek's strength in the innovation and commercialization of leading edge photonic technologies."

Zecotek

LASIK MD is named one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies

MONTREAL, Feb. 12 /CNW Telbec/ - LASIK MD, Canada's leading provider of
laser vision correction, is proud to announce that it is a winner of Canada's
50 Best Managed Companies for 2007. This prestigious award is part of a
national competition sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC Commercial Banking, National
Post and Queen's School of Business.

"We are honoured to be recognized as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed
Companies," said Dr. Mark Cohen, President and Co-Founder. "This award is a
testament of our dedication to excellence, state-of-the-art technology, and
affordable pricing making laser vision correction available to all."

CNW Group