Posters

Clinical evidence of ambient temperature variations on femtosecond laser performance and comparison with a mechanical microkeratome

Poster Details

First Author: B.Pajic-Eggspuehler SWITZERLAND

Co Author(s): Z. Cvejic   V. Canadanovic   B. Pajic              

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To assess the consistency of flaps created by a femtosecond laser compared to a mechanical microkeratome as part of LASIK procedure

Setting:

Eye Clinic ORASIS, Swiss Eye Reseach Foundation, Reinach AG, Switzerland

Methods:

Clinical outcomes were analyzed in 652 myopic eyes after LASIK surgery. Minimum follow-up time was 6 months. Mean age of patients was 35 ± 8.6 years (median: 34 years). Preoperative mean refractive spherical equivalent was -3.71 ± 2.68 in the femtosecond laser group (range -9.75 to -1.50 D) and -3.40 ± 2.56 in the mechanical microkeratome group (range -9.88 to -1.25 D). Flaps were created either using a 60 kHz IntraLase Femtosecond Laser, with an intended flap thickness of 120 μm, or with a Ziemer Amadeus II microkeratome equipped with 140 µm head. Pre- and postoperative assessment was performed using confocal corneal laser-scanning microscopy. For all procedures the same excimer laser was used

Results:

Mean visual acuity comparing baseline and frst day after surgery improved in both groups signifcantly and remained stable over the follow-up period of 6 months. Difference in mean visual acuity was not statistically signifcant between the groups during the follow up period (p > 0.05). The mean flap thickness in the femtosecond laser group was 119 ± 4.6 μm (range 111 to 129 μm) and 143 ± 21.9 μm (range 93 to 178 μm) in the microkeratome group

Conclusions:

Creation of LASIK flaps using a femtosecond laser provides a higher degree of precision and safety during the procedure but shows more inhomogeneity in the cut quality related to a temperature fluctuation in the surgery room

Financial Disclosure:

None