Prospective, Contralateral Comparison of 120-μm and 90-μm LASIK Flaps Using the IntraLase FS60 Femtosecond Laser

Comparison of 9.0 and 9.2 mm Flap Diameter Options of Femtosecond Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis for Hypermetropia and Hypermetropic Astigmatism

Aim

To compare the postoperative one-year outcomes of asphericity (Q) and high order aberration (HOA) values of 9.0 and 9.2 mm diameter flap groups in hypermetropia and hypermetropic astigmatism subjects who underwent femtosecond laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

Materials and Methods

The study included 68 eyes of 34 patients. A femtosecond laser platform (Allegrato Wave, Wavelight AG, Erlangen, Germany) was used for flap cutting. Corneal stroma was ablated using Wavelight EX500 with wavefront-optimized profile (WaveLight GmbH, Erlangen, Germany). 9.0 mm flap diameter was randomly chosen for one eye, and 9.2 mm flap diameter was chosen for the fellow eye. Two eyes of the patients who used two different flap diameters were enrolled into two different groups. Corneal stroma was ablated using Wavelight EX500 with wavefront-optimized profile (WaveLight GmbH, Erlangen, Germany). Postoperative one-year outcomes of Q and HOA values of 9.0 and 9.2 mm diameter flap groups were compared statistically.

Results

The preoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalents of the 9.0 and 9.2 mm diameter flap groups were 1.86 ± 1.81 D and 1.69 ± 1.99 D (p=0.754). No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. At postoperative one-year, Q values were 0.98 ± 0.13 D and 0.91 ± 0.15 D (p=0.029). HOAs including horizontal and vertical coma, horizontal and vertical trefoil, spherical aberration, and second order vertical coma were not significantly different (p > 0.05 for all). Total HOA values were 1.62 ± 0.14 and 1.40 ± 0.16, in the 9.0 and 9.2 mm diameter flap groups, respectively (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Both the 9.0 and 9.2 mm diameter flap options in femtosecond LASIK are equally safe and effective. Many of the HOA values are similar in both options, and better results were provided in terms of total HOA and Q values with the 9.2 mm diameter flap option. This study was registered with trial registration number 118-011.

Effects of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery on dry eye

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) on tear film and ocular surface function. Patients with age-related cataract who underwent phacoemulsification (phaco) in Air Force Aviation Medicine Research Institute Affiliation Hospital from January 2016 to December 2016 were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in experimental group (n=123, 150 eyes) received FLACS, while patients in phaco group (n=110, 150 eyes) underwent conventional coaxial micro-incision phaco and were implanted with foldable intraocular lens (IOL). Our results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in general conditions between the two groups. Ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) scores of patients in both groups after operation were significantly increased compared with those before operation, but breakup time (BUT) and Schirmer's I test scores decreased significantly at 1 week after operation compared with those before operation and basically returned to preoperative baseline levels at 3 months after operation. CFS scores and OSDI in the FLACS group at 1 day and 1 week after operation were increased more significantly than those in the phaco group, but there were no statistically significant differences at 3 months after operation. The above results showed that the effect on ocular surface function in the FLACS group after operation was greater than that in the phaco group, and the dry eye symptoms in the FLACS group were more obvious after operation. Both FLACS and conventional phaco have certain effects on the ocular surface function of patients, and there are statistically significant differences only in the early stage. FLACS has greater effects on CFS and dry eye symptoms.

Long-term evaluation of eyes with central corneal thickness <400 μm following laser in situ keratomileusis

Purpose

To study long-term refractive and visual outcomes of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in eyes with a postoperative thin central cornea.

Methods

In this retrospective observational case series, we studied 282 myopic eyes with a normal preoperative topographic pattern and postoperative thin corneas (<400 μm) that had at least 3 years of follow-up after LASIK in three private clinics. The main outcome measures were safety, efficacy, predictability, percent tissue altered, and complications.

Results

The mean postoperative central corneal thickness was 392.05 μm (range: 363.00–399.00 μm). After a mean follow-up of 6.89±2.35 years (standard deviation), the safety index was 1.17, the efficacy index was 0.94, and predictability (±1.00 diopter [D]) was 73.49. The mean residual stromal bed thickness was 317.34±13.75 μm (range: 275–356 μm), the mean flap thickness was 74.76±13.57 μm (range: 55–124 μm), and the mean percent tissue altered was 37.12%±3.62% (range: 27.25%–49.26%). No major complications were recorded.

Conclusion

LASIK with a resultant central cornea thickness <400 μm seems to be effective, safe, and predictable provided that preoperative topography is normal and the residual stromal bed thickness is >275 μm.

Femtosecond laser in refractive and cataract surgeries

In the past few years, 9 unique laser platforms have been brought to the market. As femtosecond (FS) laser-assisted ophthalmic surgery potentially improves patient safety and visual outcomes, this new technology indeed provides ophthalmologists a reliable new option. But this new technology also poses a range of new clinical and financial challenges for surgeons. We provide an overview of the evolution of FS laser technology for use in refractive and cataract surgeries. This review describes the available laser platforms and mainly focuses on discussing the development of ophthalmic surgery technologies.

Longitudinal comparison of outcomes after sub-Bowman keratomileusis and laser in situ keratomileusis: randomized, double-masked study

PURPOSE

To compare the outcomes of sub-Bowman keratomileusis (100-μm flap) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) (120-μm flap) using 150-kHz femtosecond laser.

DESIGN

Randomized, double-masked, contralateral clinical trial.

METHODS

One hundred patients (200 eyes) with myopia or myopic astigmatism were included. Postoperative examinations were performed at week 1 and months 1, 3, 6, and 12. Main outcome measures included postoperative uncorrected (UCVA) and best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCVA); manifest refraction spherical equivalent; efficacy and safety indices; corneal thickness; and complications.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 33.9 ± 7.9 years. Overall, the preoperative UCVA, BCVA, and manifest refraction spherical equivalent were 1.349 ± 0.332, -0.022 ± 0.033, and -5.81 ± 1.61 diopters, respectively. No significant difference was observed in preoperative (P ≥ .226) or intraoperative parameters (P ≥ .452) between both groups, except residual stromal thickness (P < .001). The UCVA, manifest refraction spherical equivalent, and central corneal thickness stabilized by 1 week, while the thinnest corneal thickness stabilized by 3 months postoperatively. There was no significant difference between both groups for any parameter during all follow-up visits (P ≥ .132) except the 3-month safety index, which was better in the sub-Bowman keratomileusis group (P = .007). Soft opaque bubble layer was noted intraoperatively in 12 cases (7, 100-μm group; 5, 120-μm group; P = .577). No postoperative complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study did not find any differences in the visual and refractive outcomes between femtosecond-assisted sub-Bowman keratomileusis and LASIK. Both surgeries resulted in quick visual recovery as early as 1 week postoperatively.

Comparison of biomechanical effects of small-incision lenticule extraction and laser in situ keratomileusis: finite-element analysis

PURPOSE

To theoretically compare the corneal stress distribution of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with the stress distribution of small-incision lenticule extraction.

SETTING

Cleveland Clinic Cole Institute, Cleveland, and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.

DESIGN

Computational modeling study.

METHODS

A finite-element anisotropic collagen fiber-dependent model of myopic surgery using patient-specific corneal geometry was constructed for LASIK, small-incision lenticule extraction, and a geometry analog model with unaltered material properties from preoperative but with postoperative geometry including thickness. Surgical parameters, magnitude of myopic correction, LASIK flap thickness, and lenticule depth in small-incision lenticule extraction were varied. Two sets of models, 1 with uniform and 1 with depth-dependent material properties, were constructed.

RESULTS

Stress distribution between small-incision lenticule extraction simulations and the geometry analog model were similar. In contrast, LASIK consistently reduced stress in the flap and increased stress in the residual stromal bed (RSB) compared with the geometry analog model. An increase in flap thickness or lenticule depth resulted in a greater increase in RSB stress in the LASIK model than in the small-incision lenticule extraction model.

CONCLUSIONS

Small-incision lenticule extraction may present less biomechanical risk to the residual bed of susceptible corneas than comparable corrections involving LASIK flaps. Deeper corrections in the stroma may be possible in small-incision lenticule extraction without added risk for ectasia.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

Proprietary or commercial disclosures are listed after the references.

LASIK versus photorefractive keratectomy for high myopic (> 3 diopter) astigmatism

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy, safety, predictability, and vector analysis indices of LASIK and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for correction of high cylinder of greater than 3 diopters (D) in myopic eyes.

METHODS

The efficacy, safety, and predictability of LASIK or PRK performed in 114 consecutive randomly selected myopic eyes with an astigmatism of greater than 3 D were retrospectively analyzed at the 2- to 6-month follow-up visits. Vector analysis of the cylindrical correction was compared between the treatment groups.

RESULTS

A total of 57 eyes receiving PRK and 57 eyes receiving LASIK of 114 refractive surgery candidates were enrolled in the study. No statistically significant difference in efficacy [efficacy index = 0.76 (±0.32) for PRK vs 0.74 (±0.19) for LASIK (P = .82)], safety [safety index = 1.10 (±0.26) for PRK vs 1.01 (±0.17) for LASIK (P = .121)], or predictability [achieved astigmatism < 1 D in 39% of PRK- and 54% of LASIK-treated eyes, and < 2 D in 88% of PRK- and 89% of LASIK-treated eyes (P = .218)] was demonstrated. Using Alpins vector analysis, the surgically induced astigmatism and difference vector were not significantly different between the surgery methods, whereas the correction index showed a slight and significant advantage of LASIK over PRK (1.25 for PRK and 1.06 for LASIK, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

LASIK and PRK are comparably safe, effective, and predictable procedures for excimer laser correction of high astigmatism of greater than 3 D in myopic eyes. Predictability of the correction of the cylindrical component is lower than that of the spherical equivalent.

Femtosecond lasers for LASIK flap creation: a report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology

OBJECTIVE

To review the published literature to assess the safety, efficacy, and predictability of femtosecond lasers for the creation of corneal flaps for LASIK; to assess the reported outcomes of LASIK when femtosecond lasers are used to create corneal flaps; and to compare the differences in outcomes between femtosecond lasers and mechanical microkeratomes.

METHODS

Literature searches of the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were last conducted on October 12, 2011, without language or date limitations. The searches retrieved a total of 636 references. Of these, panel members selected 58 articles that they considered to be of high or medium clinical relevance, and the panel methodologist rated each article according to the strength of evidence. Four studies were rated as level I evidence, 14 studies were rated as level II evidence, and the remaining studies were rated as level III evidence.

RESULTS

The majority of published studies evaluated a single laser platform. Flap reproducibility varied by device and the generation of the device. Standard deviations in flap thicknesses ranged from 4 to 18.4 μm. Visual acuities and complications reported with LASIK flaps created using femtosecond lasers are within Food and Drug Administration safety and efficacy limits. Of all complications, diffuse lamellar keratitis is the most common after surgery but is generally mild and self-limited. Corneal sensation was reported to normalize by 1 year after surgery. Unique complications of femtosecond lasers included transient light-sensitivity syndrome, rainbow glare, opaque bubble layer, epithelial breakthrough of gas bubbles, and gas bubbles within the anterior chamber.

CONCLUSIONS

Available evidence (levels I and II) indicates that femtosecond lasers are efficacious devices for creating LASIK flaps, with accompanying good visual results. Overall, femtosecond lasers were found to be as good as or better than mechanical microkeratomes for creating LASIK flaps. There are unique complications that can occur with femtosecond lasers, and long-term follow-up is needed to evaluate the technology fully.

Corneal haze following disruption of epithelial basement membrane on ultra-high-resolution OCT following femtosecond LASIK

PURPOSE

To analyze in vivo structural properties of a case with interface haze that developed after femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 42-year-old man underwent uncomplicated LASIK. Four months after the surgery he developed regression of his refractive error and interface haze in both eyes. Flap thickness was calculated as 73 μm and 81 μm in the right and left eyes, respectively. A novel ultra-high-resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) system was used to demonstrate in vivo morphology of the cornea. On ultra-high-resolution OCT, haze was demonstrated as increased bright white reflectivity of the flap interface. Areas of focal disruption of the basement membrane and Bowman layer corresponded with the most significant areas of interface haze.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results support the hypothesis that haze after femtosecond LASIK may be a result of damage to the basement membrane and Bowman layer of the cornea.

A prospective, randomized, fellow eye comparison of WaveLight® Allegretto Wave ® Eye-Q versus VISX CustomVue™ STAR S4 IR™ in laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK): analysis of visual outcomes and higher order aberrations

Purpose

To compare outcomes in visual acuity, refractive error, higher-order aberrations (HOAs), contrast sensitivity, and dry eye in patients undergoing laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using wavefront (WF) guided VISX CustomVue and WF optimized WaveLight Allegretto platforms.

Methods

In this randomized, prospective, single-masked, fellow eye study, LASIK was performed on 44 eyes (22 patients), with one eye randomized to WaveLight Allegretto, and the fellow eye receiving VISX CustomVue. Postoperative outcome measures at 3 months included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refractive error, root-mean-square (RMS) value of total and grouped HOAs, contrast sensitivity, and Schirmers testing.

Results

Mean values for UDVA (logMAR) were −0.067 ± 0.087 and −0.073 ± 0.092 in the WF optimized and WF guided groups, respectively (P = 0.909). UDVA of 20/20 or better was achieved in 91% of eyes undergoing LASIK with both lasers while UDVA of 20/15 or better was achieved in 64% of eyes using the Allegretto platform, and 59% of eyes using VISX CustomVue (P = 1.000). In the WF optimized group, total HOA increased 4% (P = 0.012), coma increased 11% (P = 0.065), and spherical aberration increased 19% (P = 0.214), while trefoil decreased 5% (P = 0.490). In the WF guided group, total HOA RMS decreased 9% (P = 0.126), coma decreased 18% (P = 0.144), spherical aberration decreased 27% (P = 0.713) and trefoil decreased 19% (P = 0.660). One patient lost one line of CDVA secondary to residual irregular astigmatism.

Conclusion

Both the WaveLight Allegretto and the VISX CustomVue platforms had equal visual and safety outcomes. Most wavefront optimized HOA values trended upward, with a statistically significant increase in total HOA RMS. Eyes treated with the WF guided platform showed a decreasing trend in HOA values.

Femtosecond laser in-situ keratomileusis flap configurations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The corneal flap laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is among the most important determinants in the successful outcome of the surgery. Femtosecond lasers have evolved over the last decade to all but replace the mechanical microkeratome as the preferred method to create these flaps. With improvements in femtosecond laser technology, there has been a reduction in the time taken for the cut and the quality of the stromal bed has improved. Improved predictability has led surgeons to explore the possibility of thin flap LASIK.

RECENT FINDINGS

Corneal flaps created with the femtosecond laser have been shown to be more predictable in depth and have a more desirable planar morphology. Corneal flaps created by the femtosecond laser can be customized according to depth, profile, morphology, and side-cut configuration. Changes in the angulation of the side cut, to reduce the incidence of epithelial ingrowth, have not been corroborated by clinical evidence as yet. Thin flap LASIK, also referred to as sub-Bowman's keratomileusis, has the advantage of preserving more stroma and potentially reducing the incidence of corneal ectasia but seems to be associated with an increased incidence of interface haze.

SUMMARY

This review examines the advantages of creating a flap with the femtosecond laser and the various configurations of these flaps. It also explores the advantages of varying the thickness and profile of femtosecond flaps.

Prospective, randomized, fellow eye comparison of WaveLight Allegretto Wave Eye-Q versus VISX CustomVueTM STAR S4 IRTM in photorefractive keratectomy: analysis of visual outcomes and higher-order aberrations

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare differences in visual outcomes, higher-order aberrations, contrast sensitivity, and dry eye in patients undergoing photorefractive keratectomy using wavefront-guided VISX CustomVue™ and wavefront-optimized WaveLight^® Allegretto platforms.

Methods

In this randomized, prospective, single-masked, fellow-eye study, photorefractive keratectomy was performed on 46 eyes from 23 patients, with one eye randomized to WaveLight Allegretto, and the fellow eye receiving VISX CustomVue. Three-month postoperative outcome measures included uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, refractive error, root mean square of total and grouped higher-order aberrations, contrast sensitivity, and Schirmer’s testing.

Results

Mean values for uncorrected distance visual acuity (logMAR) were −0.03 ± 0.07 and −0.06 ± 0.09 in the wavefront-optimized and wavefront-guided groups, respectively (P = 0.121). Uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better was achieved in 91% of eyes receiving wavefront-guided photorefractive keratectomy, and 87% of eyes receiving wavefront-optimized photorefractive keratectomy, whereas uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/15 was achieved in 35% of the wavefront-optimized group and 64% of the wavefront-guided group (P ≥ 0.296). While root mean square of total higher-order aberration, coma, and trefoil tended to increase in the wavefront-optimized group (P = 0.091, P = 0.115, P = 0.459, respectively), only spherical aberration increased significantly (P = 0.014). Similar increases were found in wavefront- guided root mean square of total higher-order aberration (P = 0.113), coma (P = 0.403), trefoil (P = 0.603), and spherical aberration (P = 0.014). There was no significant difference in spherical aberration change when comparing the two platforms. The wavefront-guided group showed an increase in contrast sensitivity at 12 cycles per degree (P = 0.013).

Conclusion

Both VISX CustomVue and WaveLight Allegretto platforms performed equally in terms of visual acuity, safety, and predictability in photorefractive keratectomy. The wavefront-guided group showed slightly improved contrast sensitivity. Both lasers induced a comparable degree of statistically significant spherical aberration, and tended to increase other higher-order aberration measures as well.

A prospective, contralateral comparison of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) versus thin-flap LASIK: assessment of visual function

Purpose:

To compare differences in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, complications, and higher-order ocular aberrations (HOAs) in eyes with stable myopia undergoing either photo-refractive keratectomy (PRK) or thin-flap laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) (intended flap thickness of 90 μm) using the VISX Star S4 CustomVue excimer laser and the IntraLase FS60 femtosecond laser at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.

Methods:

In this prospective, masked, and randomized pilot study, refractive surgery was performed contralaterally on 52 eyes: 26 with PRK and 26 with thin-flap LASIK. Primary outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), contrast sensitivity, and complications.

Results:

At 6 months, mean values for UDVA (logMAR) were −0.043 ± 0.668 and −0.061 ± 0.099 in the PRK and thin-flap LASIK groups, respectively (n = 25, P = 0.466). UDVA of 20/20 or better was achieved in 96% of eyes undergoing PRK and 92% of eyes undergoing thin-flap LASIK, whereas 20/15 vision or better was achieved in 73% of eyes undergoing PRK and 72% of eyes undergoing thin-flap LASIK (P > 0.600). Significant differences were not found between treatment groups in contrast sensitivity (P ≥ 0.156) or CDVA (P = 0.800) at postoperative 6 months. Types of complications differed between groups, notably 35% of eyes in the thin-flap LASIK group experiencing complications, including microstriae and 2 flap tears.

Conclusion:

Under well-controlled surgical conditions, PRK and thin-flap LASIK refractive surgeries achieve similar results in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and induction of HOAs, with differences in experienced complications.