John S M Chang1. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital, Happy Valley, Hong Kong. johnchang@hksh.com
Abstract
PURPOSE: To assess the safety and complication rate of sub-Bowman's keratomileusis (SBK) in 3009 eyes. METHODS: The flaps were created using the IntraLase femtosecond laser, and excimer ablation was performed with the Bausch & Lomb H.Eye.Tech laser system. The complications of SBK were evaluated retrospectively. The types of complications were grouped into intra- and postoperative flap related. RESULTS: In 3009 SBK procedures, the total complication rate was 0.63%. Intra- and postoperative flap-related complication rates were 0.33% and 0.30%, respectively. Only 1 (0.033%) eye lost one line of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity from diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK). Intraoperative complications included flap tear, free cap, bubble escape, and flap folds. Postoperative complications included DLK and epithelial ingrowth. Other flap-related complications such as uneven bed, buttonhole, short flap, flap striae, or wrinkles did not occur in this series. All intraoperative complications were managed within the same day. CONCLUSIONS: The complication rate of SBK is low. Vision loss is also rare.
PURPOSE: To assess the safety and complication rate of sub-Bowman's keratomileusis (SBK) in 3009 eyes. METHODS: The flaps were created using the IntraLase femtosecond laser, and excimer ablation was performed with the Bausch & Lomb H.Eye.Tech laser system. The complications of SBK were evaluated retrospectively. The types of complications were grouped into intra- and postoperative flap related. RESULTS: In 3009 SBK procedures, the total complication rate was 0.63%. Intra- and postoperative flap-related complication rates were 0.33% and 0.30%, respectively. Only 1 (0.033%) eye lost one line of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity from diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK). Intraoperative complications included flap tear, free cap, bubble escape, and flap folds. Postoperative complications included DLK and epithelial ingrowth. Other flap-related complications such as uneven bed, buttonhole, short flap, flap striae, or wrinkles did not occur in this series. All intraoperative complications were managed within the same day. CONCLUSIONS: The complication rate of SBK is low. Vision loss is also rare.
Authors: Dimitri T Azar; Ramon C Ghanem; Jose de la Cruz; Joelle A Hallak; Takashi Kojima; Faisal M Al-Tobaigy; Sandeep Jain Journal: J Cataract Refract Surg Date: 2008-12 Impact factor: 3.351