OCT device cleared for corneal measurement

Fremont, CA-The FDA has cleared a spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) device (RTVue, Optovue) to measure central corneal power, curvature, and thickness in human corneas before and after cataract surgery.

“As the segment of post-LASIK cataract patients grows, it is increasingly important that ophthalmologists have an accurate way to determine corneal power,” said Jay Wei, Optovue president and chief executive officer. “This FDA clearance affirms that the [device] is a precise and effective tool that provides value for the physician and the patient.”

The OCT device can be used to calculate the total corneal power in eyes that have undergone corneal refractive surgery. Further, it directly measures posterior corneal power and does not rely on good preoperative vision or previous clinical record(s).

The device uses a proprietary corneal segmentation algorithm that has been at least as effective, if not more effective, than other currently existing methods for measuring corneal power, according to the company. The corneal power, curvature, and thickness measurements by OCT are repeatable within a visit as well as for pre- and postoperative visits.

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