Pune: Dr. Jeevan Ladi, a Pune-based eye surgeon, has introduced two innovative techniques that are enhancing the safety and precision of laser vision correction and cataract surgery.
The Variable Optic Zone (VOZ) and Shearing Applied Force Extraction (SAFE) techniques, developed by Dr. Ladi between 2022 and 2023, are redefining the way laser vision correction procedures are performed. These advancements offer safer, more effective alternatives for patients with high myopia, thin corneas, or those seeking minimally invasive solutions.
Dr. Ladi shared the experience of a 30-year-old patient from Sudan who had been discouraged from undergoing laser vision correction due to a thin cornea and high myopia (-7 in the right eye and -6 in the left eye). However, with the VOZ technique, which customizes corneal tissue treatment based on pupil size, the procedure was successfully performed on January 4, 2025. The patient regained his natural vision quickly and returned home satisfied.
"VOZ preserves over 30% of corneal tissue, significantly improving safety, while SAFE reduces inflammation and accelerates recovery. Patients can resume normal activities almost immediately," said Dr. Ladi.
The SAFE technique is particularly beneficial in modern LASIK and SMILE procedures, ensuring faster healing and eliminating the need for blades or flaps, making laser surgeries even more precise and comfortable.
These innovations have been widely recognized, with publications in leading national and international medical journals. Notably, even fellow eye surgeons have undergone these procedures, including Dr. Manasi Godbole-Gharpure, who successfully received laser vision correction and resumed performing surgeries within days.
The Ladi Method: Affordable and Accurate Cataract Surgery
Dr. Ladi has also pioneered The Ladi Method, a cost-effective and accurate technique for determining lens power in cataract surgery. This method, which received copyright protection in 2023, utilizes ultrasound technology to calculate intraocular lens (IOL) power with high precision, improving spectacle independence after cataract surgery.
"Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness in India. The Ladi Method provides an inexpensive yet highly accurate way to determine lens power, making advanced eye care affordable to all," explained Dr. Ladi. Unlike costly alternatives, The Ladi Method is compatible with laser, robotic, phaco, and manual cataract surgeries.