Mr CT Pillai
Ophthalmology

Eye Spy: Safer laser eye surgery with the latest eye-tracking technology

Written in association with: Mr CT Pillai

Published: 10/01/2019 | Updated: 29/11/2023

Edited by: Nicholas Howley

Patients undergoing laser eye surgery have long been advised that it’s essential to keep your eyes fixed in one place during the operation to avoid damage to your eye. This can be a real source of anxiety if you think your eyes might wander during surgery. However, there’s good news – we may finally have the technology to avoid this problem altogether!

How does eye-tracking technology work?

During the consultation a scan of the entire iris of each eye is performed. Like finger prints, no two irises are the same and a unique digital identification is generated for each eye. The scan creates a map that forms the foundation on which the multi-dimensional eye tracker operates.

Throughout the procedure, the Advanced Control Eye-tracking (ACE) system is used. This is a six-dimensional eye tracker guides the laser during the treatment by tracking and mirroring the movement of the eye, to ensure the correct placement of the treating laser. If there is too much movement the laser will shut off, avoiding damage to the eye.

What is six-dimensional eye tracking?

The dimensions are in reference to the different types of eye movements the tracker can compensate for:

1^st and 2^nd dimensions are lateral movement (up and down)
3^rd and 4^th dimensions are horizontal and vertical movements caused by tilting of the eye or the head
5^th dimension is rotation around the optical axis (cyclotorsion of the eye)
6^th dimension is Z-levelling action caused by upwards or downwards movements of the eye or head (axial displacement)

Why do you use this technology?

Primarily it is for the safety of the patient, as this equipment is in direct communication with the treating laser, making any necessary adjustments needed if the patient moves. If there is rapid or extreme movement the equipment will instructs the laser to turn off.

Secondly, the technology guarantees that the personalised treatment plan is executed with complete precision. Despite not being used to correct the patient’s prescription, this is a vital piece of technology that is necessary to achieve outstanding results.

What procedures is it used for?

It is used for both LASIK and LASEK, two of the most common types of laser eye surgery procedure.

Before treatment can begin the ACE system has to recognise the unique ID of the eye being treated. This ensures the treatment profiles are always associated with the correct patient and the correct eye of the patient. With this approach we alleviate the fear about wrong eye being treated – something a lot of patients worry about.

How widely available is the technology?

Not all treating lasers have this technology, but Bausch and Lomb’s latest Teneo 317 M2 excimer laser excels in the use of this technology. Its iris recognition technology ensures accurate placement of your personalised laser treatment, compensating for eye movement and pupil adjustments. It has a response time of 2ms – so no laser pulses are ever misplaced, and the eye tracker can follow the most sudden or subtle of eye movements.

When you’re considering where to have laser eye surgery, think about not just the expertise of the surgeon - but whether they have invested in the latest technology to ensure the highest possible standard of care.

By Mr CT Pillai

Ophthalmology in London

Mr CT Pillai is one of the most experienced laser eye surgeons in the UK, having performed more than 30,000 LASIK, LASEK and PRK procedures over a 25-year career. Mr Pillai's surgical skills and record of very low complication rates have been widely applauded in specialist journals such as Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, Eye, IOVS, Optician and Cosmetic Surgery. He is the medical director and founder of Advanced Vision Care, a leading independent eye surgery clinic with a globa...

By Mr CT Pillai
Ophthalmology

Mr CT Pillai is one of the most experienced laser eye surgeons in the UK, having performed more than 30,000 LASIK, LASEK and PRK procedures over a 25-year career. Mr Pillai's surgical skills and record of very low complication rates have been widely applauded in specialist journals such as Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, Eye, IOVS, Optician and Cosmetic Surgery. He is the medical director and founder of Advanced Vision Care, a leading independent eye surgery clinic with a global reputation for high success rates and extensive post-surgical care.

Originally qualifying from the University of Madras in 1980, Mr Pillai moved to the UK and became a fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in 1990. After extensive training with internationally recognised surgeons in Greece, the UK and the USA, he became one of the few surgeons in the UK to be granted a Fellowship in both Corneal and Refractive Surgery. Mr Pillai is celebrated for being one of the first surgeons in the UK to perform bilateral LASIK surgery, treating both eyes on the same day.

As the medical director of Advanced Vision Care, Mr Pillai is committed to providing an impartial service that is independent from any one lens manufacturer. Over the last 15 years he has built up a unique network of ophthalmologists to provide personalised aftercare to the patient, wherever they live in the UK. Under his leadership the clinic enjoys excellent patient reviews and outstanding results - with 99% of patients achieving 20/20 vision or better.

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