Novel corneal refractive technology from Johnson & Johnson Vision receives CE Mark approval

The new laser will allow surgeons to perform refractive correction on patients with myopia, with or without astigmatism, via a new lenticular procedure called Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis (SILK). (Image courtesy of ©kaptn / stock.adobe.com)

Johnson & Johnson Vision announced that it has received CE Mark approval for its next-generation, laser vision-correction solution, the ELITA Femtosecond Laser System.

The new laser will allow surgeons to perform refractive correction on patients with myopia, with or without astigmatism using the SILK Procedure (Smooth Incision Lenticule Keratomileusis), a new lenticular procedure. The ELITA System leverages an ultra-precise laser pulse and fast laser delivery system to deliver a smooth corneal surface, making lenticular removal extremely easy, the company said in a prepared statement.

Xiao-Yu Song, Global Head of R&D, commented, “The ELITA System represents a generational leap in corneal refractive technology, leveraging advanced technologies and designs to deliver improvements in surgical experiences and patient outcomes. The early clinical results have shown promising visual outcomes and patient satisfaction data, leading us to believe that the ELITA System, and the SILK Procedure, has the potential to elevate the standard of care for patients with myopia.”

The SILK Procedure brings to market a proprietary biconvex lenticule shape that facilitates posterior and anterior surface matching without corneal folding when the lenticule is removed from the cornea and better preservation of corneal biomechanical strength and faster nerve regeneration due to less cutting of corneal fibres.

The ELITA Femtosecond Laser System is indicated for patients with myopia with or without astigmatism up to -12 diopters of sphere, up to -6 diopters of cylinder, with the sum of sphere and cylinder between -1.00 and -12.00 diopters using minus cylinder convention. It is also indicated for use in LASIK flap procedures. The technology will be available soon for ophthalmologists in select countries across Asia Pacific and Europe.

The ELITA Femtosecond Laser System is not yet approved for use in the US.