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Visx approved for myopic astigmatism
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SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The Food and Drug Administration on April 24 approved the Visx Excimer Laser System for treating low to moderate astigmatism in patients 21 years old and older with up to 6 D of myopia and between 0.75 D and 4 D of astigmatism.
Visx systems currently on the market can perform astigmatic corrections with new keycards, which will be available immediately. The company plans to start its training program to certify current users for astigmatism.
Visx chairman Mark Logan said, "This is a landmark day not only for Visx and our customers, but for the millions of Ameri cans with astigmatism who are unhappy with contact lenses or glasses."
The company estimated that two-thirds of patients who undergo photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) procedures have been treated for astigmatism, and believes this approval could increase the number of procedures performed in the United States.