FEMTO LDV
FAQ
Why should I consider having all-laser LASIK with the FEMTO LDV?
Conventional LASIK is a very safe, effective procedure. In fact, millions of patients have been treated with the traditional approach and technology. While the risk of complications using conventional LASIK are extremely rare, all surgery carries some degree of risk. With Ziemer's FEMTO LDV all-laser LASIK technology, the risk of complications is reduced even further. With the advanced FEMTO LDV technology, your surgeon is able to achieve impeccable accuracy and control over the first step of the LASIK procedure -- creating the corneal flap. With the FEMTO LDV, patients achieve a new level of peace of mind about having laser vision correction.
How is all-laser LASIK different than conventional LASIK?
Laser vision correction is a two-step procedure. First a very thin flap is created in the cornea and lifted back. The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber, providing most of the eye's optical power. During the second step of the LASIK procedure, precise and controlled removal of corneal tissue by a special laser reshapes the cornea, changing its focusing power and improving vision. LASIK is generally painless and recovery is rapid.
Surgeons have traditionally used a microkeratome to create the flap in the cornea. A microkeratome is a handheld mechanical device that uses a metal blade to cut a thin flap in the cornea. Although microkeratomes are overwhelmingly safe in the hands of a skilled surgeon, they can (rarely) cause complications.
Using computer-guided technology, The FEMTO LDV creates the flap in the cornea using a laser instead of a blade. Guided by the surgeon, the technology is able to create a flap in the cornea with very little deviation from the intended flap thickness. With the FEMTO LDV, the accuracy of the laser (+/-8 microns) is unparalleled. With this advanced technology, the surgeon achieves extraordinary control. This control allows him to tailor each patient's corneal flap. The predictability, safety and precision give the surgeon the ability to treat some patients who were formerly turned away for LASIK due to having thin corneas.
Is conventional LASIK safe?
Yes, but many surgeons believe that all-laser LASIK poses less risk of complications to their patients.
Is the FEMTO LDV new?
The FEMTO LDV was approved by the FDA early in 2006. Manufactured by Swiss-based Ziemer Group, the FEMTO LDV was first introduced in Europe. In addition to the U.S., and Europe, registration is currently underway in several countries, including Canada, Taiwan and several Latin American countries.
The FEMTO LDV is the most advanced all-laser LASIK procedure available to date!
How do visual improvements using the FEMTO LDV compare with those of conventional LASIK?
Visual improvements are comparable with those of traditional LASIK, and studies are underway to measure whether FEMTO's visual outcomes are better than traditional.
Is there less pain involved in having all-laser LASIK?
Patients report that creating the flap with the FEMTO LDV is a more gentle experience compared to the process with a conventional microkeratome.
