Ziemer is a brand known for innovation. Whether producing diagnostic devices or femtosecond lasers, Ziemer takes a surgeon-first approach, partnering with clinicians to develop practical solutions to everyday ophthalmic issues – and their new proprietary application for lenticule extraction, CLEAR (Corneal Lenticule Extraction for Advanced Refractive Correction), is no exception. Intended for the treatment of myopia and astigmatism, CLEAR is an integrated part of the FEMTO LDV Z8 platform and can be purchased through a software upgrade. As the pioneer in low-energy femtosecond laser treatments, Ziemer’s CLEAR concept provides maximal precision and minimal tissue effects, with reduced inflammatory response contributing to a faster visual recovery. Unlike conventional lasers, the design of Ziemer’s handpiece means distance to the eye is minimized, allowing the user to achieve high-focusing power with very little energy per pulse. This stable, low-energy concept is capable of creating small overlapping spots, resulting in the smoothest possible corneal surface and very good visual outcomes.
An alternative to existing refractive surgeries, the multipurpose mobile system offers a wealth of possibilities in the clinic and with the ability to constantly add applications, it can be trusted for use now and in the years to come.
CLEAR truly marries the best in form and function, offering various advantages in lenticule separation and extraction over conventional lasers – starting with guiding tunnels for easier dissection. What’s more, the system automatically detects corneal markings to compensate for cyclotorsion. Surgeons can then choose between one or two incisions, with guiding tunnels leading to either the anterior or posterior lenticular plane. This feature, unique to CLEAR, softens the learning curve for less experienced surgeons, while still providing an option for more experienced physicians. The adaptable placement of incisions allows for optimization for both left- and right-handed surgeons.
Once the handpiece is docked, the user is able to adjust the centration and rotation of the lenticule pattern under active suction – important when accuracy is key. Not only is cyclotorsion automatically compensated on pre-marked cornea for correct astigmatism axis, users also have the option of intraoperative OCT for a cross-sectional visualization of the planned lenticule and the residual stroma. CLEAR is CE marked for the following myopia corrections: Sphere: -0.5D to -10.0D, and cylinder: up to -5.0D for astigmatism. CLEAR is entirely developed in Switzerland and select doctors are already working with it.
