Dr. Robert M. Johnston, a pioneer in laser vision correction just finished development of two additional instruments for the Lasik procedure: the Johnston Axis Marker and Flap Elevator. Both instruments were designed with the goal of increased patient satisfaction and improved accuracy for the LASIK procedure. "LASIK is a delicate procedure, which begs for enhanced instrumentation to more effectively treat patients," says Robert M. Johnston, the engineer of these devices. www.visualfreedomcenter.com

Currently, the horizontal axis is marked with a pen. This process is awkward for some practitioners and fraught with uncertainty regarding the alignment. The Johnston Axis Marker allows marking both sides of the cornea simultaneously. It is less threatening to the patient and ensures horizontal alignment, which should produce more consistently predictable results.

The Flap Elevator, like it's predecessor the Flap Applanator (designed to minimize pesky flap complications), will make post-operative recovery for LASIK patients a smoother, and more comfortable process. A small percentage of patients require enhancement after LASIK. This is done by lifting the corneal flap created at the time of the original surgery. The Flap Elevator is a more refined instrument that prevents injury to the flap and discomfort for the patient, during this procedure.

Dr. Johnston spent over a year developing these instruments and is currently working on two other pieces: the Johnston Irrigating Cannula, which reduces the risk of retained debris and bacteria under the flap, and the Johnston Fixation Ring, which allows the surgeon to simultaneously control the position of the eye for laser alignment and protect the flap from the laser beam. Dr. Johnston is the founder of the Visual Freedom Center, which offers laser vision correction to patients in the Washington, DC and Chicago metro areas.