WaveLight laser gets nod for mixed astigmatism

Sterling, VA-WaveLight Inc.'s wavefront-optimized Allegretto Wave excimer laser system received approval by the FDA for the treatment of mixed astigmatism. The laser is used to reduce or eliminate naturally occurring mixed astigmatism of up to 6 D at the spectacle plane.

Allegretto Wave delivers specific ablation profiles based on each eye's unique corneal asphericity. The wavefront-optimized algorithm is applied to all Allegretto Wave treatments, including mixed astigmatism, according to the company.

A multicenter study of 162 eyes evaluated the safety and efficacy of mixed astigmatism treatment with this laser. At 3 months postop, of 142 eyes, 68% achieved 20/20 vision and more than 95% achieved 20/40 vision, as reported by Business Wire. Ninety-four percent of eyes were within 0.5 D of targeted sphere correction, and 99% of eyes were within 1 D of targeted correction. More than three-quarters of eyes were within 0.5 D of astigmatic target, and 95% were within 1 D of target.

In other news, WaveLight celebrated its 10-year anniversary as a leading medical device manufacturer of laser systems for ophthalmology and aesthetic industries. During the past decade, the company said it has secured more than $100 million in market capitalization while establishing successful subsidiaries in the United States, Spain, and France. WaveLight employs 350 people worldwide and is continuing to expand in the United States and Asia.