Posters

Factors associated with the free flap incidence in LASIK using the Moria SBK microkeratome

Poster Details

First Author: S.Siebelmann GERMANY

Co Author(s):    C. Skevas   V. Druckhiv   T. Katz              

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Laser-assisted in-situ keratomilieusis (LASIK) using a microkeratome is a safe corneal refractive procedure to treat myopia as well as hyperopia. Nonetheless, the incidence of a free flap is a rare complication. The here presented study was performed, to determine factors associated with the free flap incidence in LASIK when using the Moria SBK microkeratome.

Setting:

Multiple treatment satellites of Care Vision, Germany.

Methods:

Retrospective study of consecutive patients from January 2017 to December 2019, which received LASIK, where a Moria SBK microkeratome and SBK 90 single use head (Moria Surgical, Antony, France) were used. The microkeratome was used according to the instructions of the manufacturer regarding ring size and stop values as based on horizontal keratometry and corneal diameter. All procedures were analyzed regarding the incidence of a free flaps. Moreover, the keratometric characteristics of the eyes with free flaps, as well as their incidence by ring and stops were analyzed. In addition, the learning curve after introduction of the microkeratome was investigated.

Results:

27.098 patients (52.946 eyes, 11.407 male, 15.691 female, mean age 33+/-6 years, 4.915 hyperopia, 48.006 myopia) were included in the analysis. Overall free flap incidence was 0.27%. Free flap occurrence was rare and was associated with very low and very high rings (-1; +2) and wide stops (8.5mm, p < 0.001). Moreover, free flap occurrence was more frequent in steeper corneas, without being statistically. Free flap occurrence was highly correlated with the experience and the learning curve of the surgeon. Moreover, the here developed logistic regression model was able to predict the probability for the occurrence of free flaps.

Conclusions:

Using the Moria SBK microkeratome is a safe technique for flap preparation in LASIK and the occurrence of free flaps is generally a rare event. However, the occurrence of free flaps is associated with the experience of the surgeon and it should be recognized, that there is an elevated risk for lower and higher rings combined with larger stops.

Financial Disclosure:

None