Femtosecond laser solutions

Laser Vision Correction - the minimally invasive way

First introduced over 30 years ago, the use of lasers in corneal and refractive surgery has proven to be a great success. Over the years, the field has seen tremendous advancements, many of them associated with three laser vision correction procedures: PRK, LASIK and, most recent, SMILE. Whereas excimer lasers played a crucial role in shaping the development of the first two techniques, femtosecond laser technology is now creating additional treatment opportunities – specifically, for minimally invasive vision correction approaches such as SMILE.

Small incision lenticule extraction, more commonly known as SMILE, enables surgeons to treat refractive impairments with the least possible surgical intervention. The procedure is performed without a flap, which offers a number of benefits. Femtosecond laser solutions developed by ZEISS provide the foundation for this groundbreaking technique.

How femtosecond laser technology works

Based on the principle of photodisruption, femtosecond laser technology uses ultrashort pulses – shorter than those of an excimer laser – to create microscopic perforations in the tissue. When these pulses are tightly focused in the tissue, the electrons are separated from the molecules, creating plasma along with cavitation bubbles that enable tissue separation within the cornea. A system equipped with excellent optics allows surgeons to conduct pinpoint applications with a high degree of accuracy. Also, a femtosecond laser generally requires significantly less pulse energy than an excimer laser. The mechanical and thermal effects to the surrounding tissue during treatment are minimal.

Treatment Animation Video Femto-LASIK und SMILE

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Femto-LASIK

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SMILE

Pushing the boundaries of Laser Vision Correction

The femtosecond laser expands vision correction possibilities. This potential was recognized early on at ZEISS, which helped to drive the technology forward with various innovations. When ZEISS introduced the VisuMax^® in 2006, it looked beyond flap cuts for femtosecond laser LASIK to other applications. The femtosecond laser was specifically designed as a reliable, high-performance workstation for performing SMILE. The result was ReLEx^® SMILE as the first commercially available SMILE solution. This spirit of innovation and attention to detail, characteristic of all ZEISS products, are also evident in the anatomically optimized contact glass. Together with the laser’s high pulse rates, it adds to a convenient, comfortable and gentle treatment experience – for doctors and patients alike.

Covering an extensive treatment range

Exceptional cutting precision and speed, outstanding efficiency, renowned ZEISS optics and highly convenient workflow features have made the ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser system a favored tool for a wide variety of treatment applications of the cornea. From highly precise corneal flap cuts for femtosecond laser LASIK procedures to keratoplasty options for corneal transplants to customized corneal tunnels for intracorneal ring segments (ICRs), ZEISS VisuMax covers it all. What’s more, it is the first, and currently only system available on the market enabling surgeons to perform the unique SMILE technique.

SMILE is suitable for treating patients with low, moderate and high myopia. When performing SMILE, the anterior corneal surface is largely left intact, thereby offering the potential for more biomechanical stability.

Broad-ranging refractive surgery solutions

In addition to femtosecond laser-based myopia treatments, the ZEISS refractive surgery portfolio includes innovative solutions for effectively addressing a wide range of indications. The MEL 80^® from ZEISS, one of the most advanced excimer lasers on the market today, offers surgeons the high precision, reliability and convenience needed to conduct efficient PRK and LASIK procedures with excellent outcomes. The system can be combined with the VisuMax to support femto-LASIK treatments. In fact, with the combination setup of femtosecond laser and excimer laser, ZEISS is the only company to provide a solution for performing the three major laser vision correction procedures of PRK, LASIK and SMILE.

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