Surgery for laser vision correction has come a long way in past few years. Photo-refractive keratectomy (PRK) continues to be offered by surgeons worldwide to patients as a means of correcting nearsightedness. New technology using a microkeratome motorized blade, however, has made lasik surgery the preferred method by far.

LASIK is the acronym for " laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis," a procedure where a thin flap of corneal tissue is created so that the cool beam of the excimer laser can reshape deeper layers of the cornea to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism.

The newest entry into the microkeratome arena, the Hansatome made by Chiron, has made numerous improvements over its predecessor, the Automated Corneal Shaper (ACS). This new blade is an example of how emerging technology allows highly skilled surgeons to perform better and patients to heal quicker.

The Hansatome, named in honor of its designer, Hans Hellencamp of Hansa Research & Development, offers surgeons an automated pivoting motion that provides smooth, resistance-free travel resulting in a superior-postioned hinge. The superior-positioned hinge takes advantage of the effects of gravity and the vertical action of the eyelids allowing the flap to remain in perfect position for better healing. The flap is so smooth it is virtually undetectable after the procedure.

Chiron basically took a very good microkeratome, revised some of the features and added technological improvements to enhance safety, performance and reliability.

The basic design of the microkeratome is two parts: a suction ring that holds the cornea in position and a motorized blade that clips into the suction ring to create the corneal flap. The Hansatome pivots on an upright pin on the suction ring rather than feeding through gear tracks that are closer to the lashes. A new feature is an elevated gear track located out of the way of the eyelids and eyelashes. This feature, as well as a single rolling gear for smooth translation, ensures unimpeded forward progress, making the procedure much safer.

The time for the microkeratome to travel across the cornea and back again to create the corneal flap is 3.5 seconds. The entire surgical procedure for laser correction is less than 20 minutes and is performed as an outpatient procedure. Most people maintain normal activities within hours and drive to work the following day.

For those patients who have experienced the ongoing frustration of wearing glasses, fidgeting with contacts or experiencing burning, dry, itchy eyes, this new technological advance translates into a lifetime of perfect, carefree vision.