Laser Specs - VISX laser FAQ
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General information on VISX
The VISX excimer laser system is currently the most widely used in the U.S. VISX is a "broadbeam laser" that has undergone many software and hardware upgrades. As of Summer 2000, the VISX laser is available in it smooth scan mode (S2), in which it is able to provide a smoother ablation that its origianl broad-beam method. This is accomplished by breaking its main beam into smaller beams that rotate clockwise. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the new treatment parameters provide an extremely smooth ablation of the cornea
Specifications
The VISX S2 for myopia offers two treatment options. The Standard Optic Zone has a 6.0 mm treatment for the sphere, and a 6.0x4.5 mm treament zone for the cylinder. The VISX S2 also has a larger optic zone treatment - which has a 6.5 mm treatment zone for the sphere and 6.5x5.0 mm treatment zone for the cylinder.
One significant difference is that the new larger zone removes about 15-16 microns per diopter, versus the standard treatment removal of only about 12 microns per diopter
FDA approval status
The VISX laser is approved in the US to treat up to 12 Diopters of myopia (near-sightedness) and up to 4 Diopters of astigmatism associated with myopia. The Visx laser is also approved to treat hyperopia (far-sightedness) up to 6 Diopters. The VISX laser received FDA approval to treat hyperopic astigmatism in Fall 2000, and is now waiting for FDA approval for "mixed astigmatism"