Question:
Anyone know anything about laser cataract surgery and or companies who
sell the equipment like, Paradigm Medical Industries, INC. or Premier
Laser Systems?
Answer:
The Paradigm instrument was designed by Dr. Daniel Eichenbaum (704-837-5404). He
has been presenting it at meetings for about 5 years.
Premier also is developing a laser-driven cataract probe. Dr. Garth Stevens has
been helping in R&D. Premier now owns EyeSys Technology, which manufactures a
corneal topography unit. You can find contact information for Dr. Stevens at the
American Academy of Ophthalmology Web site (http://www.eyenet.org); the site has
a "Find a doctor" search feature.
Dr. Jack Dodick, of New York City, also designed a laser-driven cataract
extraction probe. I don't think any company has optioned it (it was originally
picked up by Iolab Corp., which was bought by Chiron Vision, which decided not
to pursue it). Dr. Dodick still has a lot of faith in it, last I heard.
The Paradigm and Premier instruments are in early FDA trials, I think (510K
protocols), which means they could be available for sale in the U.S. in 1998 if
they pass muster. I'm not sure if they're being sold outside the U.S.
