What is the diference between these two machines? Why does the price vary so much? Is there a greater risk of error with one or the other? What sort of questions should I be asking the doctors? Any recommendations?

Both lasers work well. I have a VISX laser, and I am very happy with the results. I would recommend that you base your decision on the surgeon, not the price or the laser.

I hope this helps

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL

What is the significance between an ablation zone of 6.5 mm and 5.5 mm? I am trying to decide between 2 surgeons, both of which seem very experienced and skilled, one of whom uses VISX and the other Nidek. According to the web site of the surgeon using VISX S3, the VISX offers an ablation zone of 6.5 mm, while the Nidek offers only 5.5 mm. Assuming the surgeons' skills are equal, will I notice any difference between 6.5 and 5.5?

My prescription is OD -6.25 -2.00 005
OS -7.25 -1.50 160

Also, the doctor with VISX website indicates that the VISX can make fine adjustments for over and undercorrection, but that the Nidek machine is not recommended for small errors. Is this information accurate or biased in favor of the laser used by Dr. VISX?

Thanks for any light you can shed on the matter.

Susan

Excellent question. I use the VISX, and I can tell you that the optical zone that I use is 6.5 mm. I have read a marketing piece put out by VISX that mentions that the Nidek has a 5.5 mm optical zone - but I have not heard this from Nidek. I know Nidek has a way of enlarging the treatment zones.
I would love to get comments from LASIK surgeons who use the Nidek laser, and I will hopefully be able to get a response soon.
I should also mention again that the most important ingredient is the surgeon - and it should not be based on the total number of surgeries alone. You should meet with both surgeons and have them both discuss the treatment plans. They should be readily available both before and after LASIK.
The one LASIK surgeon I know in your area is Leonard Friedman, MD () who is in D.C. I believe he uses a VISX laser also.

Bill Trattler, MD
Miami, FL

It would also be useful to know your pupil size as
a large pupil would benefit from a larger
treatment zone. I also use the Visx and we now
have access to the autonomous which may be useful
for persons with large pupil size and high
prescriptions. I can not comment on the Nidek as
I have not used it.
If you would like to ask me additional questions
you can call me at .
Leonard Friedman MD Washington DC/....

I've wondered about that myself. I discovered on the VISX website that there is a $100 royalty the doctors pay per procedure (I presume that means per eyes--each time the laser is run). The VISX has been around for a while and I can personally say it does a good job. I'm 20/20 "plano" at 3 months. It make me wonder if technology isn't a bit like the Screen Actors Guild. In SAG, you get residuals each time your movie or TV show plays. You get a lot the first few times, but the fees drop dramatically for future reruns.