New intraoperative wavefront aberrometer debuts

San Francisco-Refractive-cataract surgeons now have a tool to guide the outcomes of their cataract procedures (ORange Intraoperative Wavefront Aberrometer, WaveTec Vision).

The aberrometer is so-named because it is used in the “OR” on a “range” of applications, said the company in a prepared statement. The device attaches to the surgical microscope and provides on-demand readings of sphere, cylinder, and axis in approximately 2 to 5 seconds. The system also has a large range (-5 to 20 D), making it ideal for intraoperative measurements, the company said.

Using the aberrometer, surgeons can obtain real-time measurements of the refractive state of the eye at any point during cataract surgery, according to the company.

The device uses a Talbot-Moiré-based interferometry to analyze the wavefront reflected out of the eye by relaying it through an optical system and directing it through a pair of gratings that are set at a specific distance from, and offset angle to, each other. The reflected light is diffracted as it passes through the gratings, creating a diffraction, or fringe pattern. This fringe pattern is captured by a camera and then processed using proprietary algorithms to create the measurement.

Initial applications for the aberrometer are for guiding lacrimal relaxing incisions and ensuring proper axis placement of toric IOLs. A future application will be the use of the aberrometer for intraoperative aphakic IOL power calculations. The system also is showing value for use on postLASIK eyes, according to the company.

All of the data captured intraoperatively are transferred automatically to a database, giving surgeons the ability to track and compare data via individualized reports or against an aggregate database of users.

“We are pleased to have our commercial launch take place here in San Francisco during this key U.S. meeting for cataract and refractive surgeons,” said Thomas J. Berryman, chief executive officer, WaveTec Vision. “We really believe in the potential of [the aberrometer] to transform the way refractive-cataract surgery is performed today.”

The aberrometer currently is installed in 10 sites. The company said it anticipates rolling out the technology to additional U.S. sites this year.