DUBLIN, Calif. and JENA, Germany—Zeiss Medical Technology announced that its MEL 90 received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), giving the excimer laser technology simultaneous approval for all three major indications, including myopia, hyperopia and mixed astigmatism (a condition where both hyperopic and myopic correction is required). According to the company, the MEL 90 fully integrates into its corneal refractive workflow, complementing the VISUMAX 800 with SMILE pro. "The increasing global adoption of laser vision correction reflects the advancements and positive impact the technology continues to have on the quality of life for patients," said Magnus Reibenspiess, head of strategic business unit ophthalmology at Zeiss Medical Technology.

"With the integration of the Zeiss MEL 90, surgeons can confidently care for their patients with greater workflow efficiency and performance with enhanced outcomes," said Reibenspiess.

"Zeiss continues to break new ground as a leader in the LVC market, reflecting our ongoing commitment to and support of U.S. surgeons and patients with the latest refractive innovation that helps set practices apart and provides more options to more patients," said Andrew Chang, head of global sales for Zeiss Medical Technology. 

"The FDA approval of the Zeiss MEL 90 excimer laser is a game changer for refractive surgery in the U.S.," said Dr. John Doane, refractive surgeon, Discover Vision Centers, Kansas City, Mo. "This advanced technology, with its Triple-A ablation algorithm and fast ablation speed, sets a new benchmark for precision, safety and efficiency. I am particularly impressed by the system's ability to simplify treatment planning while delivering highly predictable and tissue-conserving results."

The Zeiss MEL 90 offers Triple-A (Advanced Ablation Algorithm), which is a single ablation profile for a wide range of sphero-cylindrical (SCA) corrections that simplifies treatment planning. Triple-A offers a high degree of accuracy, reproducibility and predictability, as well as advantages such as tissue-saving ablation, the company reports. Its preinstalled functions also offer surgeons optimal support for achieving excellent treatment results and gentle treatments of standard, higher and lower levels of ametropia and astigmatism.

The Zeiss MEL 90 offers a customized power package. When performing LASIK for myopia at 500 Hz, the Zeiss MEL 90 can intra-operatively ablate 1 diopter in as little as 1.3 seconds.1 Intuitive system guidance and speedy treatment planning allow for additional time savings. The Zeiss MEL 90 excimer laser technology is equipped with an active eye tracker which delivers an excellent response time, providing a high level of treatment safety with very stable results, according to the announcement.

New capabilities of the Zeiss MEL 90 excimer laser simplify the interactions between the surgeon, the assisting staff and the system technology. The excimer laser can be configured to precisely match the surgeon and the OR team's needs. The system's simple, intuitive graphic user interface supports fast treatment procedures, the company says.