PURPOSE: To analyze the quality of LASIK flaps created using a femtosecond laser or a mechanical microkeratome. METHODS: A prospective study of consecutive bilateral LASIK flaps (100 patients) created with a 15 kHz femtosecond laser (IntraLase) or with a mechanical microkeratome (Moria M2) was performed. Outcome measures included visual and refractive outcomes, flap dimensions, and intraoperative complications. The first consecutive ten patients (20 eyes) were examined using confocal microscopy 1 and 3 months following surgery. RESULTS: No significant differences were noted in the visual outcomes between groups (t test, P > .05 for all comparisons). Analysis of superficial measurements revealed more round flaps and greater predictability in surface dimensions for the femtosecond laser group (t test, P = .016). Mean deviation of flap thickness from target was the same for both instruments, 10 microm, with greater variability for the mechanical microkeratome. The incidence of diffuse lamellar keratitis was significantly greater in the femtosecond laser group (17%) than in the mechanical group (0%) (chi-square test, P < .001). Confocal microscopy revealed a higher wound healing opacity index in the femtosecond laser group. CONCLUSIONS: Although the clinical results are similar, the femtosecond laser produces LASIK flaps with more accurate dimensions compared to the mechanical microkeratome.
PURPOSE: To analyze the quality of LASIK flaps created using a femtosecond laser or a mechanical microkeratome. METHODS: A prospective study of consecutive bilateral LASIK flaps (100 patients) created with a 15 kHz femtosecond laser (IntraLase) or with a mechanical microkeratome (Moria M2) was performed. Outcome measures included visual and refractive outcomes, flap dimensions, and intraoperative complications. The first consecutive ten patients (20 eyes) were examined using confocal microscopy 1 and 3 months following surgery. RESULTS: No significant differences were noted in the visual outcomes between groups (t test, P > .05 for all comparisons). Analysis of superficial measurements revealed more round flaps and greater predictability in surface dimensions for the femtosecond laser group (t test, P = .016). Mean deviation of flap thickness from target was the same for both instruments, 10 microm, with greater variability for the mechanical microkeratome. The incidence of diffuse lamellar keratitis was significantly greater in the femtosecond laser group (17%) than in the mechanical group (0%) (chi-square test, P < .001). Confocal microscopy revealed a higher wound healing opacity index in the femtosecond laser group. CONCLUSIONS: Although the clinical results are similar, the femtosecond laser produces LASIK flaps with more accurate dimensions compared to the mechanical microkeratome.
Authors: Pilar Cañadas; Laura de Benito-Llopis; José Luis Hernández-Verdejo; Miguel A Teus Journal: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol Date: 2013-05-09 Impact factor: 3.117
Authors: Fabricio Witzel de Medeiros; Harmeet Kaur; Vandana Agrawal; Shyam S Chaurasia; Jefferey Hammel; William J Dupps; Steven E Wilson Journal: J Refract Surg Date: 2009-10-12 Impact factor: 3.573
Authors: Christina H Choe; Carly Guss; David C Musch; Leslie M Niziol; Roni M Shtein Journal: J Cataract Refract Surg Date: 2010-11 Impact factor: 3.351
Authors: Ossama Nada; Anca Marian; Nicolas Tran-Khanh; Michael Buschmann; Michel Podtetenev; François Vidal; Santiago Costantino; Isabelle Brunette Journal: PLoS One Date: 2014-06-09 Impact factor: 3.240