Posters

The impact of learning curve on flap thickness outcome in femtosecond laser assisted LASIK performed with new LenSx dual platform using curved applanation cone

Poster Details

First Author: B.Sezgin TURKEY

Co Author(s):    M. Kaskaloglu                    

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of learning curve on flap thickness outcome in femtosecond (FS) laser assisted LASIK operation for myopia performed with recently introduced LenSx dual platform using curved applanation cone.

Setting:

Kaskaloglu Eye Hospital, Turkey

Methods:

Seventy eyes of 36 patients (mean ±SD age: 26.7 ±7.5 years) with myopia or myopic astigmatism operated with FS laser-assisted LASIK with recently introduced LenSx dual platform using curved applanation cone were evaluated in this consecutive case series study. Operations were divided into two groups based on the time of operation including first-20 operations (20 eyes of 10 patients) and next-50 operations (50 eyes of 26 patients). Postoperative flap thickness related outcome including mean central flap thickness (MCFT), mean total flap thickness (MTFT), intra-FT range and flap thickness homogeneity (FTH) were compared in study groups.

Results:

Except for significantly lower preoperative steepest keratometry (K2) values in the next-50 operations vs. first-20 operations (p=0.033), no significant difference was noted between study groups in terms of preoperative and postoperative parameters. When compared to first-20 operations, next-50 operations were associated with significantly higher values for MCFT (median 123 vs. 114 µm, p=0.007) and MTFT (median 123 vs. 113 µm, p=0.015), whereas significantly lower intra-FT range (median 4.0 vs. 4.5 µm, p=0.003).

Conclusions:

In conclusion, our findings related to FS laser assisted LASIK surgery for myopia with new LenSx dual platform using curved applanation cone revealed significant impact of learning curve on the corneal flap thickness outcome in terms of closer flap thickness to the intended value and lower intra-flap range. Thus, our findings emphasize the likelihood of planning and producing more successful LASIK outcomes in terms of consistency and predictability of corneal flap thickness to be attained with increasing surgical experience.

Financial Disclosure:

None