Residual higher-order aberrations caused by clinically measured cyclotorsional misalignment or decentration during wavefront-guided excimer laser corneal ablation

Comparative visual outcomes of the first versus second eye following small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE)

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the visual outcomes of the first operated eyes with those of the second operated eyes following small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).

METHODS

A total of 202 patients (404 eyes) underwent SMILE using the tear film mark centration method for myopia and myopic astigmatism correction. Baseline characteristics, objective optical quality, decentered displacement, induced corneal aberrations, and modulation transfer function (MTF) values were assessed. Linear regression analyzed the relationship between decentration and visual quality parameters, including corneal aberrations and MTF values.

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed in objective visual quality, efficacy, and safety indexes between the two groups (all P > 0.05). The average decentered displacement for the first and second surgical eyes was 0.278 ± 0.17 mm and 0.315 ± 0.15 mm, respectively (P = 0.002). The horizontal coma in the first surgical eyes were notably lower than in the second (P = 0.000). MTF values at spatial frequencies of 5, 10, 15, and 20 cycles/degree (c/d) were higher in the first surgical eyes compared to the second (all P < 0.05). Linear regression indicated that high-order aberrations (HOAs), root mean square (RMS) coma, spherical aberration, horizontal coma, vertical coma, and eccentric displacement were all linearly correlated. Furthermore, MTF values exhibited a linear relationship with eccentric displacement across these spatial frequencies.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no discernible difference in visual acuity, efficacy, or safety between the two operated eyes. Nonetheless, the first operated eyes exhibited reduced decentered displacement and demonstrated superior outcomes in terms of horizontal coma and MTF values compared to the second operated eyes following SMILE. The variations in visual quality parameters were linearly correlated with decentered displacement.

Comparison of objective and subjective visual quality after flapless laser vision correction for mild to moderate myopia: SMILE vs PRK

PURPOSE

To investigate the differences in surgical results and the objective and subjective quality of vision (QoV) of patients after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) versus alcohol-assisted photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

METHODS

Medical records of patients treated with SMILE and PRK were retrospectively examined. Visual quality, biometric parameters, Strehl ratio (SR), and corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) within a 6.0 mm area were recorded. The effective optical zone (EOZ) and decentration were measured using a tangential pre-post operation difference map. Subjective QoV and operation satisfaction were evaluated 6 months postoperatively using the Quality of Vision questionnaire.

RESULTS

The study comprised 100 eyes treated with SMILE (preoperative mean spherical equivalent (SE), - 4.52 ± 0.81 dioptres (D)) and 69 eyes with PRK (mean SE, - 4.21 ± 1.25 D). Six months postoperatively, the EOZ reduction was significantly larger in the PRK group (P < 0.001). Decentrations were comparable between the groups. Regarding visual symptoms, monocular diplopia was more common following PRK (P = 0.02), and 98 (98.00%) SMILE-treated and 67 (97.10%) PRK-treated patients were satisfied with the QoV. Both groups demonstrated significant increases in total HOAs, coma, and spherical aberration (SA) at 6 months postoperatively compared to preoperatively (P < 0.001); these values were significantly higher in the PRK (P < 0.05) compared to the SMILE group. SR increased significantly only in the PRK group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Although EOZ was more consistent with anticipated treatment and HOAs were fewer in SMILE, high patient-reported satisfaction and good corneal optical quality were achieved in both groups, indicating that both SMILE and alcohol-assisted PRK are excellent options for mild to moderate myopia correction.

Characteristics of Pupil Offset in Young Asian Adults With Mild-Moderate and High Myopia

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristics of pupil offset in young Asian adults with myopia.

Methods

In total, 1200 eyes (600 young adults, 18–35 years old) were divided into mild-moderate and high groups according to equivalent spherical diopters (SEQ). The pupil offset and its X and Y components were compared between the groups. Linear correlation was analyzed among pupil offset, X and Y components, and SEQ. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted for pupil offset and eye parameters.

Results

The mean age of all subjects was 22.5 ± 4.8 years. The mean magnitude of the pupil offset (0.18 ± 0.09 mm vs. 0.15 ± 0.08 mm) and Y component (0.12 ± 0.08 mm vs. 0.10 ± 0.07 mm) were larger in the high group than in the mild-moderate group (P < 0.05). The magnitude of pupil offset, X and Y components, and SEQ were positively correlated. The pupil center (PC) of the right eye in the mild-moderate group was mainly superotemporal to the corneal vertex and mainly superonasal for the left eye and both eyes in the high group. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the magnitude of pupil offset correlated with central corneal thickness, intraocular pressure, and mean corneal curvature (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The magnitude of the pupil offset that correlated with partial eye parameters and its X and Y components increased as the SEQ increased, and the PC gradually shifted toward the superonasal direction in young Asian adults with myopia.

Translational Relevance

Subjects with high myopia with a larger pupil offset should be considered for better postoperative visual quality during refractive surgery.

Wave front aberrations induced from biomechanical effects after customized myopic laser refractive surgery in finite element model

PURPOSE

A customized myopic refractive surgery was simulated by establishing a finite element model of the human eye, after which we studied the wave front aberrations induced by biomechanical effects and ablation profile after wave front-guided LASIK surgery.

METHODS

Thirty myopia patients (i.e., 60 eyes) without other eye diseases were selected. Their ages, preoperative spherical equivalent, astigmatism, and wave front aberration were then obtained, in addition to the mean spherical equivalent error range - 4 to - 8D. Afterward, wave front-guided customized LASIK surgery was simulated by establishing a finite element eye model, followed by the analysis of the wave front aberrations induced by the surface displacement from corneal biomechanical effects, as well as customized ablation profile. Finally, the preoperative and induced aberrations were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Comatic aberrations were the main wave front abnormality induced by biomechanical effects, and the wave front aberrations induced by the ablation profile mainly included coma and secondary coma, as well as sphere and secondary-sphere aberrations. Overall, the total high-order aberrations (tHOAs), total coma (C₃₁), and sphere ([Formula: see text]) increased after wave front-guided customized LASIK surgery. According to our correlation analyses, coma, sphere, and tHOAs were significantly correlated with decentration. Additionally, the material parameters of ocular tissue were found to affect the postoperative wave front aberrations. When the material parameters of the sclera remained constant but those of cornea increased, the induced wave front aberrations were reduced.

CONCLUSION

All biomechanical effects of cornea and ablation profile had significant effects on postoperative wave front aberrations after customized LASIK refractive surgery; however, the effects of the ablation profile were more notorious. Additionally, the characteristics of biomechanical materials have influence on the clinical correction effect.

Comparison of effective corneal refractive centration to the visual axis: LASIK vs. SMILE, a contralateral eye digitized comparison of the postoperative result

PURPOSE

To define and compare the centration of the ablation effect in LASIK to the corresponding effect in SMILE, in myopic laser vision correction in order to possibly explain the refractive performance differences noted between the two procedures in a contralateral eye study.

SETTING

Private Ambulatory Eye Surgery Unit.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized contralateral eye study.

METHODS

In 22 consecutive patients (44 eyes), one eye was prospectively randomized to have myopic topography-guided LASIK treatment and the contralateral eye to have SMILE; Digital image analysis of the achieved centration to the aimed corneal vertex was assessed for both procedures on the perioperative Scheimpflug tangential curvature maps, using a proprietary digitized methodology.

RESULTS

The radial displacement between the attempted centration on the corneal vertex versus the center of the effective anterior corneal curvature flattening was on average 130 ± 62 μm in the LASIK group and 313 ± 144μm in the SMILE group (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this contralateral eye study, topography-guided myopic LASIK was found to achieve significantly better effective centration compared to myopic SMILE, in regards digitally measured decentration of the effective refractive change achieved in the anterior corneal curvature from the corneal vertex. This may explain the previously reported superior visual outcomes in the LASIK group eyes when compared to the contralateral SMILE group eyes.

Relationship Between Decentration and Induced Corneal Higher-Order Aberrations Following Small-Incision Lenticule Extraction Procedure

Purpose

To investigate the amount of lenticule decentration following small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) by using the Keratron Scout tangential topography difference map, and the relationship between the magnitudes of total decentration and induced corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs).

Methods

This retrospective observational case series study analyzed decentration values obtained from the Keratron Scout tangential topography difference map of 360 eyes (360 patients) that underwent SMILE. Root mean square total HOAs, third order coma aberration, fourth order spherical aberration, as well as individual coefficients for vertical and horizontal coma were measured preoperatively and 3-months postoperatively. Simple linear regression analysis and piecewise regression models were used to determine the relationship between the magnitudes of total decentration and induced corneal HOAs.

Results

The mean total decentration distance from the corneal vertex was 0.36 ± 0.22 mm (range, 0.02-1.27 mm). There were significant differences in total HOAs, coma, vertical and horizontal comas, and spherical aberration between preoperative and 3-month postoperative assessments. Significant relationships between the magnitudes of total decentration and induced corneal HOAs were noted. Subgroup analysis according to the degree of total decentration (group I, total decentered displacement ≤0.335 mm; and group II, total decentered displacement >0.335 mm) revealed that induced changes in total HOAs, coma, vertical coma, and spherical aberration were significantly larger in group II than in group I.

Conclusions

A minimal degree of decentration was closely related to a smaller induction of corneal HOAs. Efforts to optimize centration are critical for achieving better surgical outcomes in SMILE.

Clinical outcomes of Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy to treat low to moderate myopic astigmatism

Background

To evaluate the refractive and visual outcomes of Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TransPRK) in the treatment of low to moderate myopic astigmatism.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled a total of 47 eyes that had undergone Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy. Preoperative cylinder diopters ranged from − 0.75D to − 2.25D (mean − 1.11 ± 0.40D), and the sphere was between − 1.50D to − 5.75D. Visual outcomes and vector analysis of astigmatism that included error ratio (ER), correction ratio (CR), error of magnitude (EM) and error of angle (EA) were evaluated.

Results

At 6 months after TransPRK, all eyes had an uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better, no eyes lost ≥2 lines of corrected distant visual acuity (CDVA), and 93.6% had residual refractive cylinder within ±0.50D of intended correction. On vector analysis, the mean correction ratio for refractive cylinder was 1.03 ± 0.30. The mean error magnitude was − 0.04 ± 0.36. The mean error of angle was 0.44° ± 7.42°and 80.9% of eyes had axis shift within ±10°. The absolute astigmatic error of magnitude was statistically significantly correlated with the intended cylinder correction (r = 0.48, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

TransPRK showed safe, effective and predictable results in the correction of low to moderate astigmatism and myopia.

The Sensitivity of Clinical Outcomes to Centration on the Light-Constricted Pupil for a Shape-Changing Corneal Inlay

PURPOSE

To assess the clinically acceptable range of inlay decentration with respect to the light-constricted pupil center and the coaxially sighted corneal light reflex (CSCLR) for an inlay (Raindrop Near Vision Inlay; ReVision Optics, Inc., Lake Forest, CA) that reshapes the anterior corneal surface.

METHODS

In this retrospective, observational cohort study of 115 patients with emmetropic or low hyperopic presbyopia who were implanted with a shape-changing corneal inlay, visual acuity, task performance (in good and dim light), reports of halos and glare, and satisfaction data were collected from the preoperative and 3-month postoperative examinations. Inlay centration with respect to the pupil center and CSCLR was determined from the center of the inlay effect derived from iTrace (Tracey Technologies, Houston, TX) wavefront measurements. Multivariate regression models assessed the influence of inlay position on visual outcomes.

RESULTS

On average, monocular uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) improved 4.9 ± 1.7 lines in the treated eye, with no loss in binocular distance vision. Eighty-three percent of implants were centered radially within 0.5 mm of the pupil center. Multivariate analysis of decentration with respect to both the pupil center and CSCLR revealed no significant interaction with the above clinical outcomes, with the exception of UNVA in the treated eye (all P > .05, α = 0.05). For decentration of less than 0.75 mm, the change in UNVA was less than 1 line.

CONCLUSIONS

Distance and near visual acuity, task performance, severity of halos and glare, and satisfaction were independent of radial decentration of the Raindrop Near Vision Inlay of less than 0.75 mm from the light-constricted pupil. [J Refract Surg. 2018;34(3):164-170.].

Effect of iris registration on outcomes of FEMTOLASIK for myopia and myopic astigmatism

PURPOSE

To compare the visual and refractive outcomes after FEMTOLASIK with and without iris registration.

METHODS

In this randomized, prospective, comparative, contralateral eye study, 118 eyes of 59 patients with myopia and myopic astigmatism underwent LASIK using the Femto LDV femtosecond laser (160 µm) and the MEL80 with or without iris registration. For each patient, iris registration FEMTOLASIK was performed on one eye and non-iris registration FEMTOLASIK was performed on the other eye, assigned at random. Patients were evaluated before and 12 months. Uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, manifest refraction, contrast sensitivity, and higher-order aberrations (HOAs) were evaluated.

RESULTS

At 12 months, the mean UDVA was 0.002 ± 0.07 logMAR (20/19) in iris registration eyes and 0.00 ± 0.06 logMAR (20/24) in non-iris registration eyes (P = 0.9). 61% of iris registration eyes and 71.2% of non-iris registration eyes achieved a UDVA of 20/20 or better (P = 0.31); 98.3% of eyes with the iris registration FEMTOLASIK and 94.9% with the non-iris registration FEMTOLASIK were within ±0.50 D from emmetropia (P = 0.71). No statistically significant difference was found in postoperative contrast sensitivity between groups at 3, 6, 12, or 18 cycles/degree (P > 0.05). There was significant increase in total HOA root mean square in two groups. The mean error magnitude of surgically induced astigmatism 12 months postoperatively was -0.33 in iris registration eyes and -0.24 in the non-iris registration eyes (P = 0.36).

CONCLUSIONS

FEMTOLASIK with and without iris registration provides similar results in myopic and myopic astigmatism patients.

Effect of Iris registration on visual outcome in wavefront-guided LASEK for myopic astigmatism

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of iris registration (IR) on visual outcomes in wavefront-guided LASEK for myopic astigmatism.

METHODS

The retrospective chart review was performed for wavefront-guided LASEK using VISX Star S4 in patients with myopic astigmatism (cylinder ≥ 1.00 diopter[D]). Eyes were divided into IR group (LASEK with IR at the time of surgery) and Non-IR group (LASEK without IR system + failed-IR engagement during LASEK). Visual acuity (VA), astigmatism, higher-order aberration (HOA), and contrast sensitivity were assessed preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. The IR and Non-IR groups were subcategorized depending on the spherical equivalent (lower myopia ≤-5.00 D vs. higher myopia >-5.00 D) for the comparison of HOA changes.

RESULTS

Postoperative uncorrected VAs showed no differences between IR (n = 30) and Non-IR (n = 46). In astigmatic vector analyses, no differences were noted in the mean magnitude of error and the mean angle of error between two groups. There were no differences in postoperative total HOA, spherical aberration (SA), coma, and trefoil between the groups, either. The total HOA and SA increased in both groups, while coma increased only in Non-IR. In higher myopia, ΔRMS of coma was smaller in IR. Preoperative and postoperative total HOA were linearly correlated in Non-IR, but not for IR. Contrast sensitivity of 12 cycles per degree improved in both groups.

CONCLUSION

IR had similar outcomes to conventional trackers in wavefront-guided LASEK, with less tendency of inducing coma, especially in higher myopia.

Topography-Guided Transepithelial Surface Ablation in the Treatment of Moderate to High Astigmatism

PURPOSE

To analyze the outcomes of treatment of astigmatism of 2.00 diopters (D) or greater with topography-guided transepithelial surface ablation.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of a series of 206 eyes divided into two groups: myopic astigmatism (153 eyes) and mixed astigmatism (53 eyes). All cases were treated with topography-guided transepithelial surface ablation. Efficacy, safety, and predictability were evaluated, and vector analysis of cylindrical correction was performed.

RESULTS

The median preoperative spherical equivalent was -2.63 and -0.63 D for the myopic and mixed astigmatism groups, respectively, with median cylinder of -2.50 D. Postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 92% and 83% of eyes in the myopic and mixed astigmatism groups, respectively; the corresponding efficacy indices were 1.00 and 0.96 and residual astigmatism of 0.50 D or less was present in 82.4% and 56.7% of eyes in the myopic and mixed astigmatism groups, respectively. The arithmetic mean magnitude of the difference vector was 0.38 (myopic) and 0.65 (mixed) D. Difference vector magnitude was positively correlated with the magnitude of target induced astigmatism in both groups. The geometric mean coefficient of adjustment index was 1.04 and 1.19, representing undercorrection of 4% and 19% in the myopic and mixed astigmatism groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Topography-guided transepithelial ablation is a safe, effective, and predictable treatment for moderate to high astigmatism. [J Refract Surg. 2016;32(6):418-425.].

Dynamic torsional misalignment of eyes during laser in-situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE

To determine the amount and characteristics of dynamic torsional misalignment of eyes during excimer ablation in laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

METHODS

Retrospective trial for evaluation of dynamic intraoperative torsional misalignment of 179 eyes that underwent LASIK for correction of myopia and/or astigmatism. Patients were treated with the Keracor 217z excimer laser implementing 25 Hz dynamic eye tracker ACE 100 (both Technolas Perfect Vision, Munich, Germany). From dynamic torsional misalignments, temporal power spectra were obtained by Fourier analysis up to a frequency of 12.5 Hz and an amplitude of ±15° from initial torsional status (limited by the tracking system). The f90, f95, and f99 criteria were defined as the frequency below which 90 %, 95 %, and 99 % of misalignments occur. A Wilcoxon rank sum test was performed to detect differences of f90, f95, and f99 in groups' gender, age, and eye (if both eyes underwent surgery at same day). Multiple regression analysis (MRA) was performed to evaluate possible preoperative predictors of f90, f95, and f99.

RESULTS

Fourier analysis showed a dominance of high-frequency, low-power dynamic torsional misalignment. Mean f95 threshold of rotational movements was 4.89±2.12 Hz (median 4.54, ranging from 0.44 to 9.23 Hz). Wilcoxon rank sum test showed no differences in f90, f95, and f99 between groups' gender, age, and eye. MRA revealed age, gender, and optical zone as preoperative predictors on intraoperative f90, f95, and f99.

CONCLUSIONS

Dynamic intraoperative torsional misalignments of eyes undergoing LASIK are dominated by low-frequency (slow), high-power (large) movements, with 95 % being slower than 4.89Hz regarding the spectrum analyzed (0-12.5Hz, ±15°). Movements can be predicted preoperatively by eye treated, patients' gender, and age in pre-LASIK diagnostics.

Wavefront-Guided Photorefractive Keratectomy with the Use of a New Hartmann-Shack Aberrometer in Patients with Myopia and Compound Myopic Astigmatism

Purpose. To assess refractive and visual outcomes and patient satisfaction of wavefront-guided photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in eyes with myopia and compound myopic astigmatism, with the ablation profile derived from a new Hartmann-Shack aberrometer. Methods. In this retrospective study, 662 eyes that underwent wavefront-guided PRK with a treatment profile derived from a new generation Hartmann-Shack aberrometer (iDesign aberrometer, Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., Santa Ana, CA) were analyzed. The preoperative manifest sphere ranged from −0.25 to −10.75 D, and preoperative manifest cylinder was between 0.00 and −5.25 D. Refractive and visual outcomes, vector analysis of the change in refractive cylinder, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. Results. At 3 months, 91.1% of eyes had manifest spherical equivalent within 0.50 D. The percentage of eyes achieving uncorrected distance visual acuity 20/20 or better was 89.4% monocularly and 96.5% binocularly. The mean correction ratio of refractive cylinder was 1.02 ± 0.43, and the mean error of angle was 0.00 ± 14.86° at 3 months postoperatively. Self-reported scores for optical side effects, such as starburst, glare, halo, ghosting, and double vision, were low. Conclusion. The use of a new Hartmann-Shack aberrometer for wavefront-guided photorefractive keratectomy resulted in high predictability, efficacy, and patient satisfaction.

Comparison of Measurements and Clinical Outcomes After Wavefront-Guided LASEK Between iDesign and WaveScan

PURPOSE

To compare the measurements of refractive errors and ocular aberrations obtained using iDesign and WaveScan (Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., Santa Ana, CA), and to compare surgical outcomes of wavefront-guided LASEK using ablation profiles based on both aberrometers.

METHODS

Ninety myopic eyes of 45 normal patients were evaluated using both the iDesign and WaveScan to measure spherical and cylindrical errors, spherical equivalents, and Zernike coefficients of ocular aberrations. Wavefront-guided LASEK was performed in a different group of 59 eyes of 30 patients divided into two groups, the iDesign and Wavescan groups. The clinical outcomes between the two groups including uncorrected visual acuity, refractive errors, contrast sensitivity, and ocular aberration were compared at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The iDesign produced significantly higher myopic values for refractive errors than the WaveScan, as well as significantly lower levels of total higher order, third, fourth, and fifth order root mean square values and Zernike coefficients of vertical coma and spherical aberration. At postoperative 1, 3, and 6 months, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of uncorrected visual acuity and remaining refractive errors. The percentages of patients with spherical equivalents within ±1.00 and ±0.50 diopters of emmetropia were 100% (29 eyes) and 75.9% (22 eyes), respectively, in the iDesign group and 96.7% (29 eyes) and 70.0% (21 eyes), respectively, in the WaveScan group. Mesopic contrast sensitivity values were significantly higher, and the change in root mean square values for spherical aberration was significantly lower in the iDesign group.

CONCLUSIONS

There were significant differences between the iDesign and the WaveScan in the measurements of refraction and ocular aberrations. Wavefront-guided LASEK based on an ablation profile from the iDesign demonstrated comparable refractive predictability with the WaveScan group, resulting in minimal physician adjustment and superior postoperative visual quality.

Clinical outcomes of wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis to treat moderate-to-high astigmatism

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the refractive and visual outcomes of wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in eyes with myopic astigmatism and cylindrical component ≥2.0 diopter (D).

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 611 eyes that underwent LASIK for simple or compound myopic astigmatism were analyzed. Preoperative refractive cylinder ranged from -2.00 D to -6.00 D (mean -2.76±0.81 D), and the sphere was between 0.00 D and -9.75 D (mean -2.79±2.32 D). Predictability, visual outcomes, and vector analysis of changes in refractive astigmatism were evaluated.

RESULTS

At 3 months after LASIK, 83.8% of eyes had uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better, 90.3% had manifest spherical equivalent within ±0.50 D, and 79.1% had residual refractive cylinder within ±0.50 D of intended correction. The mean correction ratio for refractive cylinder was 0.92±0.14, the mean error of angle was -0.45°±2.99°, and the mean error vector was 0.37±0.38 D. A statistically significant correlation was found between the error of magnitude (arithmetic difference in the magnitudes between surgically induced refractive correction and intended refractive correction) and the intended refractive correction (r=0.26, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Wavefront-guided LASIK for the correction of myopic astigmatism is safe, effective, and predictable.

Early clinical outcomes of wavefront-guided myopic LASIK treatments using a new-generation hartmann-shack aberrometer

PURPOSE

To provide an initial retrospective evaluation of early postoperative outcomes after wavefront-guided myopic LASIK using a new-generation Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor.

METHODS

A noncomparative, retrospective study of 243 eyes of 126 patients that underwent primary wavefront-guided LASIK, using wavefront data obtained with a new Hartmann-Shack aberrometer (iDesign Advanced WaveScan aberrometer; Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., Santa Ana, CA). Visual acuity, refraction, and patient satisfaction were evaluated 1 month after surgery.

RESULTS

The manifest spherical equivalent was reduced from -3.28 ± 1.79 diopters (D) (range: -9.88 to -0.38 D) before surgery to -0.03 ± 0.29 D (range: -1.00 to +1.25 D) 1 month after surgery. The manifest spherical equivalent was within 0.50 and 1.00 D of target in 93.0% and 99.6% of eyes, respectively. Manifest astigmatism preoperatively (-0.72 ± 0.67 [range: 0.0 to -5.00 D]) was reduced to -0.14 ± 0.20 (range: 0.0 to -1.00 D) at 1 month and the vector-derived correction ratio (surgically induced refractive change/intended refractive correction) was 1.02 ± 0.30. Uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/16, 20/20, and 20/25 or better was achieved in 79.0%, 93.4%, and 96.7% of eyes, respectively. No eyes lost two or more lines of corrected distance visual acuity, whereas a gain of one or more lines was observed in 14.0%. Most patients (98.5%) reported that they were satisfied with the outcome of their procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Wavefront-guided LASIK using the new aberrometer in this retrospective evaluation was effective, safe, and predictable in the early postoperative time period for the correction of myopia with high patient satisfaction.

Effect of pupil size on residual wavefront aberration with transition zone after customized laser refractive surgery

The analysis of the change in residual wavefront aberrations after laser refractive surgery is important for the development of visual correction technology. Based on the ablation profile for wavefront-guided refractive surgery including optical zone and transition zone, the effect of pupil size on residual wavefront aberrations was studied. The research revealed that the optical zone to pupil ratio had a significant influence on the residual wavefront aberrations. The residual spherical aberration and coma were obviously larger than other individual Zernike higher-order terms when pupil diameter was larger than the optical zone size, and they increased rapidly as the pupil size increased. In addition, when the ablation zone diameter was kept constant, the residual higher-order aberrations increased rapidly as the blend coefficient increased for a 6 mm or 7 mm pupil. Furthermore, the residual higher-order aberrations with treatment decentration were distinctly larger than those without decentration. In the achievement of the best postoperative visual performance, the design of ablation profile played a crucial role in decrease of the residual wavefront aberrations after refractive surgery, especially optical zone size and the ablation pattern of transition zone.

Precision of a commercial hartmann-shack aberrometer: limits of total wavefront laser vision correction

PURPOSE

To assess the intrasession and intersession precision of higher-order aberrations (HOAs) measured using a commercial Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor (Zywave; Bausch & Lomb) in refractive surgery candidates.

DESIGN

Prospective, experimental study of a device.

METHODS

To analyze intrasession repeatability, 1 experienced examiner measured 30 healthy eyes 5 times successively. To study intersession reproducibility, the same clinician obtained measurements from another 30 eyes in 2 consecutive sessions at the same time of day 1 week apart.

RESULTS

For intrasession repeatability, excellent intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were obtained for total ocular aberrations, total HOAs, and second-order terms (ICC, > 0.94). The ICCs for third-order terms also were high (ICCs, > 0.87); however, fourth-order ICCs varied from 0.71 to 0.90 (Z(4)(0) = 0.90); and fifth-order ICCs were less than 0.85. For intersession reproducibility, only total ocular aberrations, total ocular HOAs, second-order terms, Z(4)(0), Z(3)(1), and Z(3-)(3) had ICCs of 0.90 or more. Bland-Altman analysis showed that the limits of agreement (were clinically too wide for most higher-order Zernike terms, especially for the third-order terms (> 0.21 μm).

CONCLUSIONS

Total ocular aberrations, total HOAs, and second-order terms can be measured reliably by Zywave aberrometry without anatomic recognition. Third-order terms and Z(4)(0) are repeatable, but not as reproducible between visits. Fourth-order terms, except for Z(4)(0), and fifth-order terms are not sufficiently reliable for clinical decision making or treatment. Because the variability of Zywave can be a major limitation of a truly successful wavefront-guided excimer laser procedure, surgeons should consider treating HOA magnitudes that are more than the intrasession repeatability values (2.77 × S(w)) as those presented in this study.

Clinical outcomes of optimized prolate ablation and custom aspheric treatment in laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy

PURPOSE

To compare visual acuity, refractive, wavefront, and visual quality outcomes between optimized prolate ablation (OPA) and optical path difference custom aspheric treatment (OPDCAT) algorithms for myopia correction.

SETTING

Private practice, Busan, South Korea.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized masked clinical trial.

METHODS

One eye of each patient was randomly selected to have laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy with the OPA algorithm and the contralateral eye with the OPDCAT algorithm. Visual acuity, manifest refraction, ocular and corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs), corneal asphericity (Q value), and modulation transfer function (MTF) in the 2 groups were compared 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 39 patients. The mean manifest refraction spherical equivalent at 6 months was 0.19 diopter (D) ± 0.37 (SD) in the aspheric ablation group and 0.00 ± 0.33 D in the prolate ablation group. Predictability (± 0.50 D from intended refraction) at 6 months was 82% and 100%, respectively. Twenty-six eyes (93%) in the aspheric ablation group and 27 (96%) in the prolate ablation group had an uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better. One eye in the aspheric ablation group and no eye in the prolate ablation group lost 1 line of corrected distance visual acuity. The prolate ablation group had fewer induced corneal and ocular spherical aberrations than the aspheric ablation group. Corneal asphericity was unchanged postoperatively in the prolate ablation group. The MTF under the correction of lower-order aberrations was higher in the prolate ablation group than in the aspheric ablation group.

CONCLUSION

The prolate ablation algorithm gave more predictable visual outcomes, induced fewer corneal HOAs, and conserved more preoperative corneal asphericity than the aspheric algorithm.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

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

Theoretical analysis of wavefront aberration from treatment decentration with oblique incidence after conventional laser refractive surgery

Analysis of induced wavefront aberration after refractive surgery is important in the design of vision correction and the development of visual correction technology. Based on a mathematical model of the anterior corneal surface, the influence of treatment decentration on induced wavefront aberrations was studied by considering oblique incidence. The results revealed that significant coma was induced from the treatment translation, and it was nearly proportional to the translation or corrected refraction of vision correction. The induced aberrations from the lateral translation correlated with the angle formed by the position vector and the astigmatism axis of myopia astigmatism correction. The induced spherical aberration did not relate to a lateral translation of the center of the pupil, but was determined only by the corrected refraction. Additionally, no significant higher-order aberrations were induced from eye cyclotorsion for pure myopia or myopia astigmatism correction. Oblique incidence played an important role in the impact of treatment decentration on the induced aberrations in refractive surgery. The induced coma without considering the oblique incidence was obviously larger than that with it. In order to achieve the best postoperative visual performance, the effect of oblique incidence in refractive surgery should be taken into account, and treatment decentration should be minimized by all means, particularly for high myopia.

Surface ablation with iris recognition and dynamic rotational eye tracking-based tissue saving treatment with the Technolas 217z excimer laser

PURPOSE

To evaluate the visual and refractive outcomes and expected benefits of Tissue Saving Treatment algorithm-guided surface ablation with iris recognition and dynamic rotational eye tracking.

METHODS

This prospective, interventional case series comprised 122 eyes (70 patients). Pre- and postoperative assessment included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refraction, and higher order aberrations. All patients underwent Tissue Saving Treatment algorithm-guided surface ablation with iris recognition and dynamic rotational eye tracking using the Technolas 217z 100-Hz excimer platform (Technolas Perfect Vision GmbH). Follow-up was performed up to 6 months postoperatively. Theoretical benefit analysis was performed to evaluate the algorithm's outcomes compared to others.

RESULTS

Preoperative spherocylindrical power was sphere -3.62 ± 1.60 diopters (D) (range: 0 to -6.75 D), cylinder -1.15 ± 1.00 D (range: 0 to -3.50 D), and spherical equivalent -4.19 ± 1.60 D (range: -7.75 to -2.00 D). At 6 months, 91% (111/122) of eyes were within ± 0.50 D of attempted correction. Postoperative UDVA was comparable to preoperative CDVA at 1 month (P=.47) and progressively improved at 6 months (P=.004). Two eyes lost one line of CDVA at 6 months. Theoretical benefit analysis revealed that of 101 eyes with astigmatism, 29 would have had cyclotorsion-induced astigmatism of ≥ 10% if iris recognition and dynamic rotational eye tracking were not used. Furthermore, the mean percentage decrease in maximum depth of ablation by using the Tissue Saving Treatment was 11.8 ± 2.9% over Aspheric, 17.8 ± 6.2% over Personalized, and 18.2 ± 2.8% over Planoscan algorithms.

CONCLUSIONS

Tissue saving surface ablation with iris recognition and dynamic rotational eye tracking was safe and effective in this series of eyes.

Predictive factor analysis for successful performance of iris recognition-assisted dynamic rotational eye tracking during laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE

To analyze the predictive factors associated with success of iris recognition and dynamic rotational eye tracking on a laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) platform with active assessment and correction of intraoperative cyclotorsion.

DESIGN

Interventional case series.

METHODS

Two hundred seventy-five eyes of 142 consecutive candidates underwent LASIK with attempted iris recognition and dynamic rotational tracking on the Technolas 217z100 platform (Techolas Perfect Vision, St Louis, Missouri, USA) at a tertiary care ophthalmic hospital. The main outcome measures were age, gender, flap creation method (femtosecond, microkeratome, epi-LASIK), success of static rotational tracking, ablation algorithm, pulses, and depth; preablation and intraablation rotational activity were analyzed and evaluated using regression models.

RESULTS

Preablation static iris recognition was successful in 247 eyes, without difference in flap creation methods (P = .6). Age (partial correlation, -0.16; P = .014), amount of pulses (partial correlation, 0.39; P = 1.6 x 10(-8)), and gender (P = .02) were significant predictive factors for the amount of intraoperative cyclodeviation. Tracking difficulties leading to linking the ablation with a new intraoperatively acquired iris image were more with femtosecond-assisted flaps (P = 2.8 x 10(-7)) and the amount of intraoperative cyclotorsion (P = .02). However, the number of cases having nonresolvable failure of intraoperative rotational tracking was similar in the 3 flap creation methods (P = .22).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative cyclotorsional activity depends on the age, gender, and duration of ablation (pulses delivered). Femtosecond flaps do not seem to have a disadvantage over microkeratome flaps as far as iris recognition and success of intraoperative dynamic rotational tracking is concerned.