FDA approves Zeiss MEL 90 excimer laser

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The FDA has granted its approval to the excimer laser MEL 90 from Zeiss Meditech for all 3 major indications: myopia, hyperopia, and mixed astigmatism. The laser fully integrates into the Corneal Refractive Workflow from Zeiss as a complement to Visumax 800 and SMILE pro software to streamline surgical correction with positive outcomes. The MEL 90 is currently available in the US.

“ZEISS continues to break new ground as a leader in the LVC market, reflecting our ongoing commitment to and support of U.S. surgeons and patients with the latest refractive innovation that helps set practices apart and provides more options to more patients,” Andrew Chang, Head of Global Sales for ZEISS Medical Technology, said in a press release. “With the availability of the ZEISS MEL 90 in the U.S. market, surgeons can now offer an integrated workflow of refractive technology to help reach new patients and provide excellent outcomes for them.”

The MEL 90 excimer laser boasts of a single ablation profile for a wide range of sphero-cylindrical (SCA) corrections, coined by the company as Triple-A (advanced ablation algorithm). Zeiss claims that Triple-A offers a high degree of accuracy, reproducibility, and predictability in addition to tissue-saving ablation. The fast ablation speed is also of note: When performing LASIK for myopia at 500 Hz, Zeiss’s MEL 90 excimer laser can ablate 1 diopter in as little as 1.3 seconds (optical zone, 6 mm). Additionally, the laser technology features an active eye tracker for improved response time, a high level of treatment safety, and stable results.

"The FDA approval of the ZEISS MEL 90 excimer laser is a game changer for refractive surgery in the U.S. This advanced technology, with its Triple-A ablation algorithm and fast ablation speed, sets a new benchmark for precision, safety, and efficiency. I am particularly impressed by the system’s ability to simplify treatment planning while delivering highly predictable and tissue-conserving results. The integration of the ZEISS MEL 90 with the ZEISS VISUMAX 800 femtosecond laser opens new doors for streamlined workflows and optimal patient outcomes. This approval marks an exciting chapter for surgeons and patients alike," John Doane, MD, a refractive surgeon at Discover Vision Centers in Kansas City, Missouri, said in a press release.

While the excimer laser comes pre-installed functions that achieve excellent treatment results for standard, higher, and lower levels of ametropia and astigmatism, it is also customizable. Custom configurations may be adjusted to the surgeon or the team’s preferences; the touch screen can be positioned to fit the surgical space, a second touch screen can be added to complement the treatment routine, and additional connection options (HD video port, network printer connection, and PDF export) allow surgeons to configure the device to their practice.

“The increasing global adoption of laser vision correction reflects the advancements and positive impact the technology continues to have on the quality of life for patients,” Magnus Reibenspiess, Head of Strategic Business Unit Ophthalmology at ZEISS Medical Technology, said in a press release. “With the integration of the ZEISS MEL 90, surgeons can confidently care for their patients with greater workflow efficiency and performance with enhanced outcomes.”

Reference:

1. ZEISS MEL 90 excimer laser receives U.S. FDA approval; completes Corneal Refractive Workflow. PR News Wire. Press release. Published January 13, 2025. Accessed January 13, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zeiss-mel-90-excimer-laser-receives-us-fda-approval-completes-corneal-refractive-workflow-302349058.html