A comparison of the results of old-generation (MEL 60) and new-generation (SCHWIND AMARIS) refractive excimer laser treatments

Abstract

AbstractPurposeThe present study compares the efficacy of refractive surgery using third-generation and sixth-generation laser vision correction procedures in terms of postoperative visual acuity. The goal of the authors was to determine whether advances in laser technology had improved patients' uncorrected visual acuity, as measured at six-month follow-ups.Materials/MethodsResults were reported from one of Europe's leading laser eye clinics, which has performed an outstandingly high number of treatments (over 100,000). The results of the clinic's first 10,000 treatments and most recent 10,000 treatments were evaluated.ResultsThe analysis was performed by treated dioptric range and age group. The raw six-month visual acuity results show a statistically significant improvement over the last 10,000 interventions. The treatments resulted in significant improvements in all groups compared to the previous technology. With the new devices, visual acuity increased to above 1.0 in young myopes. The best results were seen in patients between 18 and 45 years of age, in the dioptric range between −1.0 D and −6.0 D.ConclusionsIt can be concluded that advances in technology improved refractive outcomes in all patient groups. This conclusion has excellent reliability and predictability due to the particularly high number of cases.