Innovations in Excimer Laser Refractive Technology – Focus on the WaveLight® EX500 Excimer Laser System

Excimer laser refractive surgery aims to correct lower order eye aberrations such as myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia by altering the shape of the corneal curvature through the ablation of corneal tissue. Early excimer systems were associated with concerns over post-operative complications, such as night-time driving problems, glare and halos. Furthermore, it was difficult to prevent or treat higher-order aberrations with these early systems (and conventional refractive surgery procedures). Innovations in excimer laser technology have led to the introduction of excimer laser systems with enhanced features, such as high repetition rates and customised ablation profiles, improving the safety and effectiveness of this type of surgery and allowing a broad range of patients to be treated, including those with higher-order aberrations. This article discusses these innovations in excimer laser refractive technology, focusing on the clinical use of the recently introduced WaveLight® EX500 Excimer Laser system.