Efficacy, safety, and flap dimensions of a new femtosecond laser for laser in situ keratomileusis

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical results of a preproduction femtosecond laser for flap creation in laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

Setting

Private practice, Brussels, Belgium.

Methods

This study comprised myopic eyes with a plano target refraction and a target flap thickness of 110 μm. The LASIK flap was created with a Ziemer LDV femtosecond laser. Prospective evaluation included flap dimensions, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and visual outcomes.

Results

Sixty-three patients (111 eyes; mean age 37.2 years) were evaluated. Preoperatively, the mean corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 1.34 (Snellen) and the mean manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), −4.91 diopters (D) ± 2.45 (SD). Six months postoperatively, the mean CDVA was 1.33; the mean MRSE, −0.05 ± 0.3 D; and the mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), 1.27. The UDVA was 20/25 or better in 98.2% of eyes and 20/20 or better in 94.6% of eyes. The MRSE was within ±0.50 D in 95.5% of eyes and within ±1.00 D in 99.1% of eyes. The cylinder was 0.50 D or less in 99.1% of eyes. The mean flap thickness was 106.6 ± 12.6 μm. The most frequent complications were epithelial sloughing (10.8%), a decentered cut (4.5%), flap adhesions (5.4%), a slightly irregular flap border (5.4%), and microstriae (5.4%); all were mild.

Conclusions

Overall, the flap dimensions and refractive results were predictable and the complication rate was acceptable after LASIK using the new femtosecond laser for flap creation.

Financial Disclosure

No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.