What's the best laser out there as of March 2005?

[bnbhoha]

I've been researching this for the past year and am getting ready to do this for my wife in September. I realize the skill of the doctor is important, but I also want the best laser for the surgery.

According to my research a few months back, the Allgreto laser was a very popular choice around the WORLD. Not too many offices in the US use it, but I've read that it was the amongst the bes laser. In addition, some clinics in the US are offering lasik with this laser along with intralalase (a technology where they use a laser to cut the corena rather than a blade.)

Yesterday, I received an e-mail from lasik eye centre in Canada. They claim to have the latest laser from Bauch & Lomb called the Zyoptix 100. I thought it was out a couple of years ago and may be mistaken. This is what they claim it does:

"1.The B&L Z100 is the only refractive laser in Western Canada
and the US with 3-D Iris Recognition and Pupil Recognition which allows
exact alignment of astigmatism treatment with pre-operative
WAVEFRONT measurements. This ensures an exact match between the pre-op
measurement and the laser treatment for every eye. This measures the
precise rotational position of the eye during surgery by matching the
iris patterns to the one taken during the pre-op exam. This allows the
laser to correct for "cyclotorsion"- the slight rotation of the eye that
can occur when the patient changes from a up to a laying down
position.
2.A Multi-dimensional Eye-Tracker that locks the laser onto the
eye during surgery at the exact spot as the pre-operative measurement to
significantly increased accuracy.
3.The B&L Z100 laser provides faster treatment times and faster
tracking for improved safety and predictability.
4.The B&L Z100 laser has one of the largest treatment zones
available which allows the treatment size to be bigger than the pupil
size at night decreasing night vision problems.
5.Tissue saving which leaves 25% more tissue in corneal bed than
previous technology."



In anycase, I was hoping to get opinions from those who are familiar w/ the latest technolgy. Thank you.

[Hating glasses]

I think that one of, if not the best one is LADARVision 4000. That is the one that I had. First of all, most of the newer lasers have tracking in them now so they can track the movement of the eye. The LADARVision 4000 tracks at 4000 beats per second I think. So, even if your eye is all over the room, the laser will track it so you won't have any miss-hits. It is by Alcon. It is about the middle of the road in cost. Mine was $1,599.00 per eye and my insurance paid for $600 of my cost.
I learned a lot about all the lasers before my surgery by just googling lasik, lasers, anything I could think of. The internet is amazing for info on this procedure. And, it helped my doctor that I knew so much once I got in there.
Good luck on your decision. I would do it. Your wife will love you so much for it. I couldn't be happier. It is honestly the best thing I have ever done for myself.

[bnbhoha]

Thank you. I've done a lot of research and came too this forum as well. I believe the MEL 80 is more advance than the ladarvision. I don't think it's been offered in the US. I know a place in Vancouver B.C. that has it. I think there are a couple of more lasers out there that are even MORE advanced. I/we most likely will get this done early next year. I would like to know what is on the horizon for next year. We will definitely get something that incorporates Intralase.

[myoptic33]

I have heard good things about the MEL 80 laser, too bad none of those are out in USA yet. It seems like there will always have better lasik machines every year or few years, its up to you how long you want to wait

[David6]

If you are still contemplating laser eye surgery, I had it done in Vancouver about a month ago with the B & L Z100 Laser, with what I found to be fantastic results.