visx advantage  

VISX pioneered the development of excimer laser systems and remains the industry leader in quality and innovation. Their ActiveTrak" system not only provides the best in safety, accuracy and comfort, but it is the system that doctors have trusted in over 2 million procedures. Their rigorous Research and Development practices continually improve technology and processes, resulting in meaningful clinical applications - and better vision.

VISX laser systems have features that translate into several advantages for you:

  • VISX laser systems produce the smoothest surface on the cornea after the procedure. Smoother ablations, as they're known, promote faster healing and result in better vision.
  • VISX laser systems allow the doctor to track your eye movement in all three dimensions during the treatment, for greater control.
  • VISX laser systems achieve an optical zone that may result in reduced problems with night vision
  • VISX ActiveTrak(TM) laser systems produce seven variable sized beams, giving the doctor greater flexibility and allowing for a faster, smoother treatment with precise corneal shaping.
  • VISX laser systems require a shorter procedure time, which enhances comfort and may reduce the risk of postoperative complications.

These features aren't the only reasons why VISX laser systems are superior to others. Their exclusive focus on laser vision correction technology, combined with a history of excellence in design and rigorous FDA approvals, result in a clinical experience and knowledge that is unmatched in the industry. And if that isn't enough, ask one of over 2 million patients, including eye care professionals and their staff, who have undergone successful procedures with VISX laser systems.

The VISX STAR(TM) Excimer Laser System is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the reduction or elimination of: myopia (nearsightedness) of no more than -14.0 D with astigmatism from 0.5 to 5.0 D; hyperopia (farsightedness) between +0.5 and +5.0 D sphere at the spectacle plane with astigmatism up to 3.0 D, with a maximum manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) of +6.0 D, and mixed astigmatism where the magnitude of cylinder (<6.0 D at the spectacle plane) is greater than the magnitude of sphere and the cylinder and sphere have opposite signs. The VISX STAR Excimer Laser System is also FDA approved for photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for the reduction or elimination of: myopia of no more than -6.0 D spherical equivalent at the corneal plane, with no more than 1.0 D of astigmatism; myopia of no more than -12.0 D at the spectacle plane with no more than 4.0 D of astigmatism; hyperopia between +1.0 and +6.0 D sphere at the spectacle plane, with no more than 1.0 D of refractive astigmatism; and hyperopia between +0.5 and +5.0 D sphere at the spectacle plane with astigmatism from 0.5 to 4.0 D with a maximum MRSE of +6.0 D. Safety and effectiveness data has not been established beyond these limits. PRK and LASIK are elective procedures with alternatives including eyeglasses, contact lenses and other refractive surgeries.

PRK and LASIK are contraindicated in patients with collagen vascular, autoimmune or immunodeficiency disease, signs of keratoconus, patients taking isotretinoin or amiodarone hydrochloride or are pregnant or nursing. Neither PRK nor LASIK surgery is recommended in patients with a history of ophthalmic Herpes simplex or Herpes Zoster. Caution should be employed in deciding to perform either surgery on patients with systemic disease likely to effect wound healing, such as connective tissue disease, diabetes, severe atopic disease or an immunocompromised status; safety and effectiveness has not been established for these patient populations.

Lower uncorrected visual acuity rates of 20/20 and 20/40 may be anticipated with higher degrees of correction. The safety and effectiveness of the VISX® Excimer Laser System have NOT been established: in patients with progressive myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, ocular disease, corneal abnormality, or previous corneal surgery or trauma in the ablation zone; in patients with corneal neovascularization within 1.0 mm of the ablation zone; in patients under 18 or 21 years of age depending on refractive error; for patients over the long term; in patients with a history of keloid formation; and in patients who are taking sumatriptan.

It is possible that following Laser Vision Correction, patients will find it more difficult than usual to see in conditions such as very dim light, rain, snow, fog, or glare. Astigmatic patients under the age of 30 or with large pupils are more likely to experience a degradation in visual performance under these conditions. Other potential side effects include halos, double images, haze, dryness, headache, redness, over correction, increased refractive astigmatism, visual fluctuations, loss of BSCVA, increased ocular pressure, second surgical intervention, corneal edema, flap/cap trauma, corneal perforation, infection, corneal infiltration/ulcer, corneal epithelial defect, corneal decompensation, lens abnormality, retinal detachment, and retinal vascular accident.

For a more detailed listing regarding the above information, talk to your doctor and/or review the Patient's Information Booklet.