Excimer Lasers

How excimer platforms differ

Excimer lasers are compared on three things: pulse rate, which sets how long an ablation takes; the tracking system, which keeps the treatment centred as the eye moves and, on better systems, compensates for cyclotorsion between the diagnostic capture and the treatment; and the treatment profiles the platform is licensed to deliver.

That third point is where pre-owned purchases go wrong. Wavefront-guided, topography-guided and custom profiles are frequently licensed separately and tied to the unit or to its original owner. A laser can be in perfect condition and still be unable to perform the treatments you intend to advertise.

The diagnostic chain is part of the purchase

A refractive laser does not work alone. It needs a topographer or aberrometer and a planning station whose software version the laser accepts. Buying a laser without a compatible diagnostic device leaves you with an expensive light source, so confirm the whole chain before committing.

What to check on a used excimer laser

This is the most demanding pre-owned purchase in ophthalmology. Get written answers to all of the following.

• Total pulse or procedure count, and the dates and counts at the last optics and gas service.
• Which treatment licences transfer with the sale, and which the manufacturer will require you to buy again.
• Software version, and whether the unit is still eligible for updates.
• Room requirements: temperature, humidity, air handling, floor loading and electrical supply, signed off by your facility engineer before delivery.
• Who de-installs, ships, re-installs and calibrates the unit, and against which acceptance specification.

Before you commit

Ask to see the laser fire on test material and to watch the fluence and beam-profile checks it runs at start-up. Our guide on buying a used excimer laser covers the full checklist. Every unit MP MedPharma sells, new or certified refurbished, comes with documented service history and warranty coverage.