FDA Approved Excimer Lasers Summary
Monday, March 23rd, 2009Listed Contraindications for LASIK performed by all excimer laser platforms:
- Pregnant or nursing
- Keratoconus
- Collagen Vascular, Autoimmune, or Immunodeficiency disorders
- Taking Accutane or Cordarone
- Prescription changes in last year of 0.5 D or more.
There are 4 commonly used excimer lasers in the US. The two most common are the Wavelight Allegretto Wave and the VISX Star Customvue. Carl Zeiss MEL-80 and the Bausch and Lomb 217Z are also in operation as well. If a LASIK surgeon has continually upgraded the platform throughout the years, then the excimer laser system is of secondary concern. Each of the systems can provide over 90% chance of 20/20 uncorrected vision for moderate near-sighted prescription. Certain lasers run faster than others. Others require less corneal ablation. Outdated lasers, however, are to be avoided. They are nowhere near as accurate as the newer technologies.