L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, has introduced a new generation vision correction technology called Zyoptix. The technology involves a customized and precise laser surgery to correct refractive error. Developed by the eye care major, Bausch & Lomb, the new method promising innovative and accurate vision, was introduced at the institute on Friday.

Briefing press persons, J P Singh, Managing Director, Bausch & Lomb India, said Zyoptix had its origin in the space age technology used by the NASA in the US to map the surface of the moon. The same principle was harnessed to produce the most accurate map of the eye and perform corrections, which were customized to each individual. The new technology comes with a critical new component called Zywave, which helps in measuring aberrations, according to Singh

The advantages of the new technology include most accurate vision correction, better night vision, greater safety and efficacy, reduced glare, enhanced sensitivity and less invasive in application.

Zyoptix is an integrated procedure that actually measures the most minute aberrations of the cornea and other parts of the eye and helps surgeons in correcting even the minutest imperfections that distort vision.

Describing it as a technological leap, Dr G N Rao, Director of LVPEI, said the institute would organise a training programme for opthalmologists on the new procedure.

The correction surgery would cost Rs 36,000 for two eyes compared to Rs 26,000 for the conventional laser method. The procedure, a irreversible one, was not used for all patients as several factors including thickness of cornea and age, had to be studied before recommending the treatment. The procedure was not recommended for children and in cases where the thickness of cornea was small, Dr Rao said.

Dr Rao said such developments in the eye care technology in the country would help improve the quality of eye care.