According to UK Biobank data, around four per cent of the UK population has undergone laser vision correction (LVC) since the late 1980s. Over the years, this popular elective surgery has seen significant advancements in effectiveness, healing times, and safety. Dave Walsha, director of sales and marketing at stepper motor supplier Electro Mechanical Systems (EMS), explores how precise laser alignment has become critical in modern corrective eye surgeries.
The Beginnings of Laser Vision Correction
The first LVC procedures in the UK relied on mechanical microkeratomes, which used oscillating blades to create a corneal flap that was then reshaped with a laser. While these methods were effective, they posed risks such as suboptimal vision due to overly thick flaps or mechanical failures. These limitations have led to the decline in the use of microkeratomes in modern surgeries.
Revolutionising LVC with Femtosecond Lasers
The advent of femtosecond lasers marked a major turning point for LVC, enabling more precise and predictable procedures such as Femto Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK). These lasers create corneal flaps in just ten seconds per eye, reducing recovery times and enhancing patient comfort.
Another revolutionary technique, Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE), eliminates the need for corneal flaps. Instead, a femtosecond laser carves a disc of corneal tissue, removed through a keyhole incision. SMILE is particularly beneficial for patients with myopia, astigmatism, or dry eyes, as it reduces flap-related complications and allows faster resumption of physical activities.
The Role of Stepper Motors in LVC Precision
Both Femto LASIK and SMILE rely on motor-controlled femtosecond laser alignment to ensure precise, rapid pulses. Stepper motors are ideal for these applications due to their high precision, exceptional stopping accuracy, and responsiveness. Unlike servo motors, stepper motors can operate effectively without an encoder, simplifying the system’s configuration while maintaining accuracy.
EMS, a leading supplier of FAULHABER Precistep motors, provides motors ranging from six to 66 millimeters in diameter. These motors hold their position even when power is off, addressing the issue of power loss experienced in earlier mechanical methods. Their reliability and long service life also ensure optimal performance for ophthalmologists during LVC procedures.
Modern Considerations for LVC Applications
To ensure high motion control performance, several factors must be considered when selecting a stepper motor for LVC. These include matching the motor to the application’s size and rating requirements, as well as determining the step resolution, power supply, and speed profile. Such considerations are vital for the accuracy and reliability of LVC systems.
The Future of Laser Vision Correction
With around half of the global population predicted to be myopic by 2050, femtosecond-based laser vision correction procedures are expected to grow and evolve further. Precise motion control technologies, such as stepper motors, will continue to play a pivotal role in improving the effectiveness and safety of these surgeries, ensuring better outcomes for patients.
Modern advancements in laser vision correction underline the importance of technology and precision in delivering safe, effective, and life-changing procedures.
