Norlase’s LYNX is the first laser indirect ophthalmoscope (LIO) to offer pattern delivery. It includes all the options associated with pattern-scanning lasers, such as grids (up to 5×5), 1 to 3 concentric circles, and adjustable arc patterns. It also integrates the laser source directly into a headset, which Norlase CEO and co-founder Oliver Hvidt says is unique to LYNX and Norlase’s other LIO product, the LION.
Since LYNX is no larger or heavier than a standard indirect ophthalmoscope and is battery-powered, it is completely mobile. The laser is controlled wirelessly via a tablet, which responds to voice commands as well as touch.
Flexibility is Key
LIOs allow for more flexible treatment settings because they don’t require a slit-lamp setup. Therefore, physicians can access peripheral parts of the retina that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to reach, Mr. Hvidt explained.
“Patients can lie back and relax in a chair while I do my treatment,” said Beth Richter, MD, PhD, a vitreoretinal surgeon at the Retina Group of Florida in Sarasota, who uses LYNX. The device works with a standard 20- or 28- diopter lens with no contact to the eye.
Sidney A. Schechet, MD, of Elman Retina Group in Baltimore, who also uses the laser at his practice, was eager to try LYNX.
“The LYNX is like a dream come true,” he said. “It decreases treatment times by about half because it’s portable and I can treat multiple spots at once.”
The Perks of Portability
Traditional LIOs require both a fiber- optic tether and a connection to a wall socket. “LYNX, with its built-in laser source and battery power, eliminates both, allowing for complete freedom of movement,” Mr. Hvidt said. “This is a game-changer for a practice’s efficiency and treatment accessibility.”
Mr. Hvidt shared that some doctors using LYNX have implemented a workflow where they use two adjacent rooms for laser treatments. While treating a patient in one room, the next patient is being prepared in the other room. When they finish the first treatment, they can immediately move to the adjacent room and start the next patient’s procedure, minimizing downtime, he said.
The portability of LYNX also enables doctors to provide laser treatments across locations—even during power outages, thanks to the battery- powered system.
“My practice has an older patient population, so mobility is often an issue,” said Dr. Richter. “Keeping my clinic flowing is key; having an adaptable device has helped me tremendously.”
Dr. Schechet agrees, saying that time management was a big issue at his practice. “Because LYNX is cordless, it can be brought from room to room, rather than having patients play musical chairs,” he said. “That saves a lot of time.”
Since the interface tablet is not tethered to the device, Dr. Richter’s scribe can sit across the room at a charting computer, adjust the wheels on the tablet touchscreen, and dictate the settings back to the doctor while she maintains her focus on the patient’s eye.
“Ergonomics is so important,” said Dr. Richter. “By not being tethered to a heavy laser box and not having to be close to an outlet, I don’t have to strain my neck in awkward positions. The minimal weight of the headset device is also a plus.”
Improving Outcomes
Pattern lasers have been shown to significantly reduce treatment time, enabling improved practice efficiency and higher patient throughput.1 Additionally, pattern scanning has been found to reduce patient discomfort.2
Another advantage is the ability to precisely place laser spots. “Spot placement is inherently more challenging with an LIO than with a slit lamp,” Mr. Hvidt said. “With LYNX, doctors benefit from perfectly shaped circles and grids with precisely placed spots automatically delivered by the device.”
“The laser’s speed allows me to treat more spots before a patient loses focus and wants to stop,” Dr. Richter said. “Also, with patients who are difficult to position, LYNX allows me to shift my [own] position quickly.”
“Every patient I have used it on noted that it was faster than previous laser procedures,” added Dr. Schechet. OM
References
1. Nagpal M, Marlecha S, Nagpal K. Comparison of laser photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy using 532-nm standard laser versus multispot pattern scan laser. Retina. 2010;30(3):452-458. doi:10.1097/IAE.0b013e3181c70127
2. Nemcansky J, Stepanov A, Nemcanska S, Masek P, Langrova H, Studnicka J. Single session of pattern scanning laser versus multiple sessions of conventional laser for panretinal photocoagulation in diabetic retinopathy: Efficacy, safety and painfulness. PLoS One. 2019;14(7):e0219282. Published 2019 Jul 16. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0219282