What types of corrections is LADARvision prefered on and what type corrections is VISX S3 preffered on. I know they are both good lasers but one must be better for one situation and one must be better for another right? I am always reading conflicting data about both and this confuses me. Thanks !

Both lasers can be used for most corrections. The
Ladar may better on high astigmatism or very large
pupils. I use both but for routine cases prefer
the Visx as it works extremely well and is easier
to use and the laser time is shorter. If you want
another opinion I will be happy to see you.
Leonard Friedman MD Washington DC.............
................

I was just doing research on another site and a Doctor reported that the autonomous is reported to only yield 20/20 results in 59% of cases. Does anyone know if this is true? I ask because I was advised to have my surgery done with the autonomous because my pupils are a 7.5 mm. Something else that confused me was I keep reading the autonomous has an 8mm. zone with a 3mm transition. Well I just read on that site the autonomous only has a 6.5 mm central zone is this true? My prespcription is -6. Does anyone have info on the technolas 217 Flying Spot? Is that supposed to be better for my conditions than the autonomous? Thanks to anyone who takes the time.

The largest problems with these studies are that one doctor or laser company will use older data that is not as good to show that their laser is better. The VISX laser used in the previous studies has had software and nomnogram upgrades to improve visual results.
There have not been head to head studies that have shown that one laser is constently better than another laser.
In my experience both performing laser eye surgery and helping people with problems after laser eye surgery - the key component is the surgeon rather than the type of laser. It is important to get an experienced laser surgeon who will also take the time to carefully examine your own eyes and make sure that you are a good candidate. Testing for dry eyes is also a very important component that I often see is left out (the test for dry eyes that is most helpful is called a Schirmer's test).
So again - in my experience - it is the surgeon more than the laser than makes the biggest impact in getting a great result.

I hope this helps

Best regards

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL