SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS stands out as the best laser eye surgery technology without doubt. It’s the only excimer laser system that runs at an impressive 1050 Hz frequency. The system’s breakthrough speed results in very quick ablation times – just 1.3 seconds per dioptre. This makes it much faster than any other system available today. Our patients often ask us about the best laser eye surgery technology. The clinical outcomes speak for themselves. The system helps 99% of treated eyes achieve vision within ±0.50 D of the target prescription. Even better, 42% of patients get uncorrected visual acuity of 20/16 or better.
SCHWIND’s latest technology has active 7D eye tracking that adjusts for eye movements in seven dimensions with zero latency time. This precision leads to outstanding results – 55% of patients gain one or more Snellen lines in visual acuity after their treatment. The AMARIS systems have become the worldwide standard for precision, safety, and speed over the years. Surgeons in more than 100 countries trust this technology. In this piece, we’ll learn about how this technology works, look at its clinical outcomes, and show why it’s considered the gold standard in corneal refractive surgery today.
Core Technology Behind SCHWIND AMARIS Precision
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SCHWIND AMARIS excimer laser systems combine three core technological elements that give exceptional precision in corneal refractive surgery. These elements work together to create the smoothest ablations with minimal heat effects and perfect positioning.
Flying Spot Laser with 0.54mm Beam Diameter
The latest laser eye surgery technology features an ultra-fine laser beam that measures just 0.54 mm in diameter . This beam stands as the narrowest among all excimer lasers used in clinics today. AMARIS systems use a Super-Gaussian beam profile to create better spot overlap matrix that accurately reproduces the calculated ablation volume .
The tiny spot size brings two key benefits. It lets surgeons create complex ablation profiles even at high speeds. The beam also creates smooth corneal surfaces that speed up healing and visual recovery . The system’s Automatic Fluence Level Adjustment (AFLA) makes treatments better by doing 80% of the ablation at high fluence for speed. It then switches to lower fluence for the final 20% to achieve precision in finishing .
Intelligent Thermal Effect Control (ITEC)
Heat control plays a vital role during laser ablation procedures. The unique Intelligent Thermal Effect Control (ITEC) algorithm keeps corneal temperature rise below 5°C—much lower than the 40°C threshold that risks tissue damage . This smart thermal management sorts laser pulses in space and time .
Each spot on the cornea gets enough cooling time before the next laser pulse hits . This smart pulse distribution keeps thermal load low even at very high ablation speeds and protects nearby corneal tissue from heat damage .
1050Hz Repetition Rate and Zero Latency Tracking
The SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS runs at a unique 1050 Hz repetition rate, making it today’s fastest system . Its active eye tracker watches eye position 1050 times each second with just 1.6 milliseconds of average delay. This results in total reaction time under 3 milliseconds .
The latest version includes active 7D eye tracking that adjusts for all types of movement: horizontal (x-axis), vertical (y-axis), horizontal rolling, vertical rolling, cyclotorsion (rotation around the visual axis), z-axis movements, and—uniquely—time . This advanced Latency-Free Tracking predicts and adjusts for eye movements between image capture and laser pulse delivery. The result is zero delay during treatment . The detailed tracking system makes sure the laser beam hits the right spot every time, even with unexpected eye movements .
Treatment Customisation Options and Algorithms
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SCHWIND AMARIS laser systems stand out for precise vision correction with their sophisticated customisation options based on each patient’s needs. The systems employ advanced algorithms that match specific treatment profiles to individual patient characteristics.
Aberration-Free™ Profile for Neutral HOA
Aberration-Free™ profiles are the main option doctors choose for first-time treatments. These profiles aim to maintain the same high-order aberrations (HOA) profile that existed before surgery with correction . The profile works differently from traditional approaches. It uses a Cartesian-oval cornea concept that theoretically balances focus changes caused by tissue removal . The system also applies varying aspheric compensation based on optical zone size, which minimises induced spherical aberration . Research shows patients’ eyes naturally adapt to baseline wavefront profiles, making this approach respect the eye’s natural aberration pattern .
Corneal Wavefront-Guided vs Ocular Wavefront-Guided
The system provides two wavefront-guided approaches for different clinical scenarios. Corneal wavefront-guided (CWG) treatments analyse topographical surfaces and corneal wavefront up to the seventh order . This method works especially well for abnormal corneal surfaces because it corrects defects right at their source—the anterior corneal surface . CWG treatments remain unaffected by accommodation effects and pupil conditions .
Ocular wavefront-guided (OWG) treatments measure the complete optical system. They include both cornea and lens using Hartmann-Shack sensing with over 800 measurement points for a 7-mm pupil . Clinical evidence shows wavefront-guided profiles give better results when eyes have preoperative HOA root mean square values above 0.4 μm or spherical aberration above 0.2 μm .
Decision Tree for Treatment Mode Selection
SCHWIND AMARIS uses a systematic 5-step decision tree algorithm to choose the best treatment approach . The system first reviews global optical blur for both corneal and ocular wave-aberrations. An aspheric aberration-neutral profile becomes the choice when values stay below 0.25 DEq for both eyes . The system looks at best-corrected visual acuity during manifest refraction for blur measurements between 0.25-0.50 DEq .
Patients who report visual quality issues, have BSCVA worse than 20/20, or show higher optical blur measurements need additional evaluation. The system compares corneal versus ocular wave-aberrations by calculating differential aberration centred at the line-of-sight . This methodical approach has shown remarkable success with retreatment rates as low as 0.3% across 6,467 LASIK procedures over a 30-month period.
Clinical Outcomes from Multi-Centre Studies
Clinical studies from international centres show why SCHWIND AMARIS leads the pack as today’s best laser eye surgery technology. The results consistently prove its excellence across thousands of worldwide treatments.
Refractive Accuracy: 70% Within ±0.25D of Emmetropia
The technology stands out from its competitors through refractive accuracy. Detailed six-month follow-up data shows 70% of treated eyes reached refractive results within ±0.25D of emmetropia . The numbers get even better – 99% of patients achieved results within ±0.50D of their target correction . Treatments using the Aberration-Free profile for myopic astigmatism pushed accuracy rates up to 75% within ±0.25D .
Visual Acuity Gains: 43% Gained ≥1 Snellen Line
The benefits go beyond hitting the target refraction. A remarkable 43% of treated eyes gained one or more Snellen lines of best-corrected visual acuity . Three-month post-operative data reveals that 55% of patients saw better than their pre-operative corrected vision . These results prove the technology’s superiority by improving vision rather than just matching previous correction.
Astigmatism Reduction: 96% ≤ 0.25D Post-Op
AMARIS platform excels at astigmatism correction. After surgery, 96% of treated eyes measured 0.25D or less in astigmatism . Every patient landed within ±0.50D of astigmatism correction—key for stable, quality vision . Static cyclotorsion control made things even better. SCC group patients averaged only 0.24D residual astigmatism compared to 0.46D in control groups .
Stability Over Time: 3-Month and 6-Month Follow-Up
The best laser eye surgery technology must deliver stable results. Six-month studies show consistent outcomes with mean defocus of just -0.14±0.31D . Patients see stable results as early as one week after surgery that last through long-term check-ups . This quick stabilisation lets patients enjoy their improved vision without long periods of change.
Treatment Duration: 3 Seconds per Dioptre
Speed matters for patient comfort and quality results. The AMARIS system runs at 1050 Hz and needs only 1.3 seconds per dioptre correction—making it today’s fastest system . Quick treatments keep the stromal bed from drying out, which helps achieve more predictable results .
Pain-Free Procedure with Topical Anaesthesia
Patients barely feel a thing during this touch-free procedure. Most people report just mild prickling while being treated . Recovery is straightforward with topical antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drops, and artificial tears .
Comparative Performance and Safety Metrics
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The SCHWIND AMARIS system outperforms other excimer laser platforms in several key parameters, based on objective measurements. Research validates its position as the best laser eye surgery technology available today.
Induced Aberrations: 0.02 µm/D in Myopia
The largest longitudinal study shows AMARIS system produces minimal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) during treatment. Myopic corrections show an aberration induction rate of just 0.02 µm per diopter of correction . Hyperopic treatments show slightly higher rates at 0.05 µm/D, yet remain well below industry standards . Clinical data reveals that after AMARIS treatment, only 5 out of 30 high-order Zernike terms changed substantially. These variations stayed below clinical relevance thresholds .
Total root mean square (RMS) of corneal HOAs increased by only 0.03 µm/D after treatment . This minimal change explains why 52% of patients see improvements in their best-corrected visual acuity with AMARIS treatment .
Thermal Load Control vs Other Platforms
The Intelligent Thermal Effect Control (ITEC) system stands out against other laser platforms. Direct comparison studies show AMARIS system managed to keep corneal temperature at 35.6°C during ablation. Competing Nidek technology reached 39.9°C, which comes close to the 40°C safety threshold .
AMARIS’s temperature elevation averaged just 4.36°C compared to Nidek systems’ 7.27°C . ITEC system restricted maximum temperature to 39.7°C in epithelium and 37.7°C in stroma, staying well below critical thresholds . AMARIS temperature increases showed no significant statistical link to ablation depth, treatment time, or defocus correction amount, unlike its competitors .
Re-treatment Rate: 0.3% Across 3880 Cases
AMARIS system achieved an exceptionally low overall re-treatment rate of 0.3% across 3880 LASIK procedures during 18 months of clinical use . The breakdown by treatment type shows:
- 0.3% for myopic astigmatism using Aberration-Free profiles (10/3157 cases)
- 0.0% for hyperopic astigmatism using Aberration-Free profiles (0/67 cases)
- 0.6% for Corneal Wavefront Guided profiles (2/336 cases)
- 0.3% for Ocular Wavefront Guided profiles (1/320 cases)
These rates showcase unmatched accuracy and precision. A study of 25 patients found only 2 patients with clinically relevant OS-vs-OD differences (>0.25D) 6 months after operation . Modern laser eye surgery must deliver predictable results. AMARIS delivers with 74% of eyes within ±0.25D of target spherical equivalent at 6 months .
Conclusion
SCHWIND AMARIS technology has become the gold standard in corneal refractive surgery worldwide over the past decade. This piece shows how its groundbreaking 1050 Hz frequency leads to quick ablation times of just 1.3 seconds per dioptre—much faster than other systems. The results speak for themselves: 99% of treated eyes get vision within ±0.50 D of target prescription. An impressive 42% of patients achieve visual acuity of 20/16 or better.
Speed isn’t the only advantage this system offers. The Active 7D eye tracking adjusts to movements in all dimensions with zero latency. This precision shows in the numbers—55% of patients gain one or more Snellen lines in visual acuity after their treatment.
Custom treatment algorithms improve outcomes by offering Aberration-Free™, corneal wavefront-guided, and ocular wavefront-guided options that match each patient’s needs. Studies from multiple centers back up the system’s excellent performance. The re-treatment rates stay remarkably low at 0.3% across thousands of procedures.
The system creates minimal higher-order aberrations—just 0.02 µm per diopter for myopic corrections. It keeps corneal temperatures well below critical thresholds. These features explain why patients get better visual outcomes compared to other technologies. At Precision Vision London, we use the SCHWIND AMARIS system—known globally as the best laser eye surgery technology—to give safer, faster, and more precise results. Book your consultation today to experience what a world of advanced vision correction looks like.
The evidence makes it clear why SCHWIND AMARIS remains the top choice for patients who want the most advanced, precise, and safest laser vision correction available today.
FAQs
Q1. What makes SCHWIND AMARIS the best laser eye surgery technology? SCHWIND AMARIS operates at 1050 Hz frequency, offering extremely short ablation times of 1.3 seconds per dioptre. It features active 7D eye tracking with zero latency, delivering exceptional precision. Clinical outcomes show 99% of treated eyes achieve vision within ±0.50 D of the target prescription.
Q2. How does SCHWIND AMARIS manage heat during laser eye surgery? The Intelligent Thermal Effect Control (ITEC) algorithm ensures corneal temperature rise stays below 5°C during treatment. This advanced thermal management protects surrounding corneal tissue from heat-related damage, even at high ablation speeds.
Q3. What customisation options does SCHWIND AMARIS offer for treatments? SCHWIND AMARIS offers Aberration-Free™ profiles for first-time treatments, as well as corneal wavefront-guided and ocular wavefront-guided options. A 5-step decision tree algorithm determines the optimal treatment approach based on individual patient characteristics.
Q4. What are the clinical outcomes of SCHWIND AMARIS treatments? Studies show 70% of treated eyes achieve refractive results within ±0.25D of emmetropia. 43% of eyes gain one or more Snellen lines of best-corrected visual acuity. For astigmatism, 96% of treated eyes achieve measurements of 0.25D or less post-operatively.
Q5. How does SCHWIND AMARIS compare to other laser platforms in terms of safety? SCHWIND AMARIS induces minimal higher-order aberrations (0.02 µm per diopter for myopic corrections). Its thermal control system maintains corneal temperatures well below critical thresholds compared to competing platforms. The overall re-treatment rate is exceptionally low at 0.3% across 3880 LASIK procedures.
