Advanced Medical Optics (EYE)

As a result of the VISX acquisition, we are a leader in the design and development of proprietary technologies and systems for laser vision correction of refractive vision disorders.  Laser vision correction (LVC) eliminates or reduces reliance on eyeglasses or contact lenses. It employs a computerized laser that ablates, or removes, sub-micron layers of tissue from the cornea, reshaping the eye and thereby improving vision.

Standard LASIK was introduced in the mid 1990’s. In performing Standard LASIK, an ophthalmologist conducts a traditional eye examination to determine the prescription required to correct the patient’s vision.  The prescription is then programmed into the laser system, which calculates the ablation needed to make a precise corneal correction to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.  Unlike Custom LASIK (see below), Standard LASIK cannot correct higher order aberrations.

The most advanced method of performing laser vision correction is Custom LASIK.  Custom LASIK employs a diagnostic evaluation of the eye that measures refractive errors in the patient’s vision more precisely than previously available technology.  The diagnostic device obtains comprehensive information about the imperfections, or refractive errors, of each patient’s vision.  Refractive errors are displayed by the diagnostic device in the form of an aberration map that offers a unique pattern for each patient’s eye, similar to a fingerprint. The map displays information about refractive errors that result in nearsightedness,

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farsightedness, and astigmatism, as well as information about higher order aberrations that were not previously measurable by any other instrument.  The information from the diagnostic device is used to generate a personalized treatment plan that is digitally transferred to the laser system. The ablation derived from this information is therefore customized to the individual’s eye.

Laser vision correction can also be performed by photorefractive keratectomy (“PRK”).  PRK does not require the use of a microkeratome, and the epithelial layer (or outer layer) of the cornea is removed before ablation.  Patients may experience discomfort for approximately 24 hours and blurred vision for approximately 48 to 72 hours after the procedure.  Drops to promote corneal healing and alleviate discomfort may be prescribed.  Although most patients experience significant improvement in uncorrected vision (vision without the aid of eyeglasses or contact lenses) within a few days of the procedure, unlike LASIK it generally takes several months for the final correction to stabilize and for the full benefit of the procedure to be realized.

LASIK

The most common refractive surgery procedure is laser surgery, and the most common surgical technique for treating refractive disorders is laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis, or LASIK. LASIK involves the use of an automated cutting device to cut a thin corneal flap, which is then pulled back to expose the underlying tissue, which is treated using an excimer laser to achieve vision correction. The most common cutting device is called a microkeratome.

As a result of the VISX acquisition, we are a leader in the design and development of proprietary technologies and systems for laser vision correction of refractive vision disorders. Laser vision correction (LVC) eliminates or reduces reliance on eyeglasses or contact lenses. It employs a computerized laser that ablates, or removes, sub-micron layers of tissue from the cornea, reshaping the eye and thereby improving vision.

Standard LASIK was introduced in the mid 1990’s. In performing Standard LASIK, an ophthalmologist conducts a traditional eye examination to determine the prescription required to correct the patient’s vision. The prescription is then programmed into the laser system, which calculates the ablation needed to make a precise corneal correction to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Unlike Custom LASIK (see below), Standard LASIK cannot correct higher order aberrations.

The most advanced method of performing laser vision correction is Custom LASIK. Custom LASIK employs a diagnostic evaluation of the eye that measures refractive errors in the patient’s vision more precisely than previously available technology. The diagnostic device obtains comprehensive information about the imperfections, or refractive errors, of each patient’s vision. Refractive errors are displayed by the diagnostic device in the form of an aberration map that offers a unique pattern for each patient’s eye, similar to a fingerprint. The map displays information about refractive errors that result in nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, as well as information about higher order aberrations that were not previously measurable by any other instrument.

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