Lasik's - FDA Approved Refractive Laser Eye Surgery

Lasik's - FDA Approved Refractive Laser Eye Surgery

Lasik's is the term that is commonly referred to when most consumers are talking about laser eye surgery. The main reason for this procedure is to reduce a person's need for either glasses or contacts to improve their vision.

The name LASIK is derived from a laser eye procedure named Laser-assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. The procedure consists of the use of an excimer laser that permanently reshapes the covering of the eye so a focused vision is obtained. There are two different types of blades that are used to cut the flap so the inner cornea can be reshaped. The mechanical blade is called a microkeratome and the laser is a keratome.

There have been five instruments that have been approved by the FDA since the year 2000. The latest is the MEL 80 Excimer Laser System by Carl Zeiss Inc was approved on August 11, 2006. This uses a laser that cuts at the wavelength of 193 nanometers.

The LASIK Eye Drape was developed by Odyssey Medical Inc and received approval on May 10, 2005. This was a new style of drape that is used to help protect not only the patient but also the surgeon.

Alcon Laboratories Inc had two approvals for their Wavelight Allegretto Wave Excimer Laser System on October 7th and 10, of 2003. The first one was for the system and the second was for the ophthalmic medical laser system that cuts at 193 nanometers.

Technolas GMBH Perfect Vision was approved for their Technolas 217A Excimer Laser System on February 23, 2000. This excimer laser is a class 3 medical device.

These are the latest FDA approved for the many Laski's surgeries that are preformed around the United States. Check with your surgeon to see what he is using.

By Mark Q. Johnson

Lasik's - FDA Approved Refractive Laser Eye Surgery