The Lenticule Congress marked its inaugural event in Asia and took place in Bangalore, India, from March 1st to 3rd, 2024, this historic gathering brought together leading lenticule platforms to showcase the future of ophthalmic innovation. The event not only served as a platform for exchange of latest information between surgeons but was marked with unique sessions like “Dialogue with Industry” which staged technical discussions and scientific arguments between manufacturers of leading refractive lasers. The congress focused on the entire value chain for lenticule procedures, which is newly called KLEx (keratorefractive lenticule extraction). Representatives from all major KLEx device suppliers, including Zeiss, Ziemer, J&J, and of course, Schwind, were present.
The congress was organized by the renowned Narayana Nethralaya group of clinics under the leadership of Dr. Rohit Shetty. The format was a mix of scientific presentations and live surgeries, offering a comprehensive look at KLEx procedures. This is particularly significant considering that LASIK remains the dominant form of laser vision correction in India. It was impressive to see how Dr. Shetty and his team were able to generate such significant interest in KLEx, a treatment method, which can be performed with the SCHWIND ATOS femtosecond laser. This growing focus signifies KLEx's increasing importance in the refractive surgeon's armamentarium.
The presentations and discussions at the Bangalore congress sparked a great deal of interest in KLEx, especially with regard to achieving high-quality patient outcomes. The SCHWIND ATOS femtosecond laser aims to set a new standard for post-surgery outcomes with its innovative features, including low-dose concept, high-quality optics, and industry-leading centration and cyclotorsion compensation features. These features were a key factor in convincing surgeons at the congress, even in head-to-head comparisons with other manufacturers in the industry.
While KLEx is gaining traction, proven procedures and surface treatments with excimer laser technology, such as the SCHWIND AMARIS, remain important cornerstones of laser vision correction. By maintaining technological leadership in both AMARIS and ATOS, SCHWIND can solidify its position as key driver of innovation in the field of refractive vision correction. The dedication and expertise of the Schwind team, with which the vision of "better quality of life for patients" is pursued, left a lasting impression on the participants and promises hopeful future prospects for patients worldwide.
