ZEISS Medical Technology has received FDA approval for the MEL 90, an advanced excimer laser technology with three major indications and designed for full integration into the company’s Corneal Refractive Workflow.
Let’s start with this product.
As the newest addition to ZEISS’s portfolio of refractive excimer lasers, the MEL 90 laser system is indicated for use in primary laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) treatments to reduce or eliminate:
- Myopia
- Parameters: Less in magnitude than -10.00 D sphere (in minus cylinder notation), with and without cylinder up to -4.00 D, when MRSE is less in magnitude than -10.00 D
- Hyperopia
- Parameters: Up to +4.00 D sphere (in plus-cylinder notation), with and without cylinder up to +3.00 D, when MRSE is up to +5.00 D
- Mixed astigmatism (requiring both hyperopic and myopic correction)
- Parameters: With cylinder from > 1.00 D up to 4.00 D and in patients (aged 18+) with documentation of stable manifest refraction over the past year, as demonstrated by MRSE change within +/- 0.50 D.
What are its specifications?
- Laser source: ArF excimer laser (class 4, as per the International Electrotechnical Commission [IEC])
- Wavelength: 193 nm
- Laser frequency: 500 Hz
See here for more.
And its unique capabilities?
Among the laser’s specialties is the Triple-A Advanced Ablation Algorithm.
- What it is: A single ablation profile for a wide range of sphero-cylindrical (SCA) corrections for simplifying treatment planning
- What it provides: A high degree of precision, reproducibility, and predictability as well as:
- Controlled induction of spherical aberrations
- Tissue-saving ablation
- Preinstalled functions for optimal surgeon support in:
- Treatment results
- Gentle treatments of standard, higher, and lower levels of ametropia and astigmatism
Speaking of ablation … how fast is the speed?
The laser can “intraoperatively ablate 1 diopter in as little as 1.3 seconds” when performing LASIK for myopia at 500 Hz, according to ZEISS.
Aiding in this quick speed is “intuitive system guidance” as well as an “active eye tracker” for an efficient response time.
And its ease of use?
As ZEISS noted, the MEL 90 is geared toward simplifying the operating room (OR) dynamics and can be configured to precisely match the surgeon and their OR team—and requires very little service maintenance.
Andrew Chang, head of Global Sales for ZEISS Medical Technology, described the laser’s approval as a game changer for refractive surgery in the United States.
“Surgeons can now offer an integrated workflow of refractive technology to help reach new patients and provide excellent outcomes for them,” he stated.
Go on …
Also included with this system: An intuitive graphic user interface assists in ensuring faster treatment procedures while the touch screen can be "flexibly positioned” where needed to ensure a surgeon has a comfortable and ergonomic sitting posture during an operation.
- As a bonus: An optional second touchscreen is available for configuration to complement the OR team’s treatment routine.
What other equipment is included?
Targeting a more optimized workflow, surgeons also have access to:
- An HD video port
- Network printer connection
- PDF export capabilities
- Laser calibration
Can I get a visual?
Indeed you can. Check out this product video.
Very cool! Now you mentioned this is integratable into the ZEISS workflow, correct?
That’s right! The MEL 90 can be integrated into ZEISS’s Corneal Refractive Workflow as a complement to the company’s VISUMAX 800 with SMILE (small incision lenticule extraction) pro software.
About the VISUMAX 800: Approved by the FDA in January 2024, this next-generation femtosecond laser system is marketed as “the most advanced, fastest laser speed” when compared to its predecessors.
- Its indication: To surgically treat nearsightedness (with out without astigmatism)
- Read up on its capabilities here.
Lastly, when will this be available?
Check here to see about adding the MEL 90 laser to your clinical practice (take note: this is only available for surgeons within the United States).