Laser eye surgery technology has changed considerably over the years. Today’s advanced systems can provide surgeons with greater precision, more detailed treatment planning, and minimally invasive options that were not previously available.
The SCHWIND ATOS is an advanced femtosecond laser used to perform SmartSight (aka SMILE), a flap-free vision correction procedure. BoydVision invested in this technology to offer eligible patients another option for treating nearsightedness and astigmatism.
But what makes the SCHWIND ATOS different from other laser systems?
It Powers the SmartSight Procedure
The SCHWIND ATOS performs SmartSight, a minimally invasive procedure that corrects vision without creating the corneal flap required for LASIK.
During SmartSight, the laser creates a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue called a lenticule inside the cornea. Dr. Boyd then removes the lenticule through a small incision. This changes the shape of the cornea and corrects the patient’s vision. The complete laser portion of the treatment is performed using the SCHWIND ATOS while the patient remains in one position.
No Corneal Flap Is Required
One of the main differences between SmartSight and LASIK is the flap-free approach. During LASIK, a thin flap is created on the surface of the cornea before the underlying tissue is reshaped. With SmartSight, the SCHWIND ATOS creates the lenticule and small access incision inside the cornea without creating a flap.
This minimally invasive approach disrupts fewer corneal nerves than a flap-based procedure. For suitable patients, this may reduce the likelihood of postoperative dry-eye symptoms while preserving more of the cornea’s natural structure.
However, every patient’s eyes are different. A comprehensive assessment is still required to determine whether SmartSight, LASIK, SmartSurface PRK, or another procedure is most appropriate.
Intelligent Eye Tracking
The eyes can make small movements during a vision correction procedure. The SCHWIND ATOS includes intelligent eye-tracking technology designed to support accurate positioning throughout treatment.
The system uses pupil recognition to identify the eye and help maintain proper treatment alignment. This gives the surgeon additional technological support while performing a highly precise procedure.
Cyclotorsion Compensation
A person’s eye can rotate slightly when moving from an upright position during testing to lying down for surgery. This natural movement is called cyclotorsion.
The SCHWIND ATOS can recognize and compensate for this rotation. This feature helps align the treatment with the measurements collected while the patient was sitting upright and can be especially valuable when correcting astigmatism. It is a small movement that a patient would probably never notice, but accounting for it can be an important part of precise treatment delivery.
Accurate Treatment Centring
Where a laser treatment is centred can influence the quality of the patient’s visual outcome. The SCHWIND ATOS uses pupil recognition and eye-tracking information to support accurate treatment centration. This technology helps the surgeon align the procedure with the patient’s individual eye measurements rather than relying on a generalized treatment position.
Optimized Lenticule Geometry
The SCHWIND ATOS creates a lenticule based on the patient’s treatment plan. Its optimized lenticule geometry is designed to remove only the tissue required to achieve the intended correction. This tissue-conscious approach is another way the system supports personalized, minimally invasive vision correction.
A Curved Patient Interface
Technology should support patient comfort as well as surgical precision. The SCHWIND ATOS uses a curved patient interface that is designed to fit the natural shape of the eye. The interface helps hold the eye steadily in position while reducing unnecessary pressure during the laser portion of the procedure. Patients also remain in one position while the SCHWIND ATOS completes the required laser steps.
Is SmartSight Right for You?
SmartSight with the SCHWIND ATOS may be an option for patients with nearsightedness and astigmatism who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The only way to know whether it is appropriate for your eyes is through a detailed consultation.
BoydVision is the first and only clinic in British Columbia and second clinic in Canada, to offer SmartSight. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about the technology and vision correction options available to you.