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Biotech / Medical : SNRS- Sunrise Technologies -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: pappy who wrote (610)	4/5/1998 3:22:00 PM
From: EmuGreg	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 4140

A few additional thoughts on comparing Novatec to SNRS: a good analysis of the differences really has to begin with comparing the procedures that they perform. The SNRS procedure is LTK. I am assuming that the Novatec laser performs PRK and/or LASIK. I'm sure most of you understand the following but in case there is someone who doesn't, let's tree-top them: PRK involves first taking off the outer layer of tissue with a brush (ouch!!) or perhaps some other technique. Then a frontal ablation is done with the laser to change the shape of the cornea. The improvement in vision occurs over a lengthy period of time (3 to 4 weeks??). My understanding is that it can be throw-up painful. The eye's healing response to the trauma of the surgery is critical. My understanding is that the trend is away from PRK toward LASIK because of the pain and the extended period of time that the vision improves. LASIK involves using a microkeratome to slice off a portion of the cornea, save a little piece of tissue that creates a "flap." Hence, the name "flap and zap." The microkeratomes are VERY expensive. The blade in the microkeratome (used once) is very expensive. I believe there is a still the risk of a "chatter" during the use of the microkeratome so that flap has rough edges and doesn't fit well when folded back. Once the flap is created, the laser then sculpts the tissue inside. The improvement in vision is much quicker than PRK and there is much less pain. As you can see, neither PRK or LASIK can be considered "No-Touch." Both involve what I call the "horizontal" factor meaning that the patient is in a horizontal position when the surgery is done and its done in a sterile environment. Hence, it has the look and feel of "real" surgery (because it is). I've been interested in having LASIK done for some time. Try reading some of the msg. boards on it. From my own experience and from what I read on the boards, the decision process from the patient's perspective is a long one (I'm in my 2nd year thinking about it). Based on antidotal data, where I've showed friends the SNRS video tape, the decision process to have LTK is probably more in the 10 minutes range. The main preparation for LTK involves drying the eye as opposed to removing the outer tissue or creating the flap. There is minimal or no sensation as the laser does it's work. The patient simply sits in a chair in front of the slit lamp. The laser does not remove cells. Its only task is to shrink collagen cells. The vision improves immediately and recovery is only a few minutes. It is elegant in its simplicity. Forgeting about the mechanics of the laser, which of the above procedures would you like to market??? I bet $100 that 50 of my wife's friends and co-workers have it done after she has the procedure. We're over 40 and she's never had to wear glasses and she HATES having to deal with them now. Is SNRS a niche laser? I suppose it is, but when you consider hyperopia, presbyopia (almost everyone over 40), over corrections from LASIK, and possibly the mother-lode of astigmatism, its a heck of a niche. Please remember that I'm just a layman. Perhaps there are some professionals that can comment. Gotta go tend to the animals. Best regards to all. Greg