Technolas 217Z Laser
This new generation excimer laser utilizes an innovative technology called “Flying spot laser technology.” A narrow beam (about 2 mm wide) contacts the eye at lightning speed in an alternating pattern that allows the debris to clear in one place before contacting that area again. Energy delivery is more accurate due to the alternating delivery pattern. This leads to improved visual outcomes and avoidance of complications such as central islands. This technology produces a smoother corneal shape and helps increase the accuracy and efficacy of the surgery.
The Technolas 217 has been used since 1997 and has surpassed by far the FDA benchmark for laser approval. Here are some of the comparative results 6 months after surgery:
| Technolas 217 | FDA benchmark | |
| Uncorrected vision 20/40 or better | 99.7% | 85% |
| Uncorrected vision 20/20 or better | 87.3% | FDA does not have a target value |
| Deviation from attempted correction within 0.50 diopters | 86.7% | 50% |
These results were done with an earlier version of the Technolas laser, the 217A. The newest version that we utilize, the Technolas 217z 100 excimer laser is capable of treating very large diameter areas of the cornea, blending the transition between treated and non-treated cornea very smoothly. This increases the quality of vision and reduces the risk of glare and halos after treatment. The Technolas 217z is also equipped with an infrared video eye tracking system that adjusts the treatment beam for any small eye movements you make during surgery. The 217z has been markedly improved with far more demanding prescriptions with the z100 laser.