Clinical Ophthalmology (Dec 2023)
The Accuracy of Flap Thickness and Diameter in LASIK Using a Femtosecond Laser
Abstract
Stephen A Wexler,1,2 Brad Hall3 1John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA; 2Bismarck LASIK, pLLC, Bismarck, ND, USA; 3Sengi, Penniac, NB, CanadaCorrespondence: Stephen A Wexler, Bismarck LASIK, 620 North 9th Street, Bismarck, ND, 58501, USA, Tel +1 701-222-2020, Email [email protected]: To evaluate the resultant thickness of the WaveLight FS200 (Alcon Vision, LLC) created LASIK flap compared to intended thickness at the surgical visit, using the WaveLight EX500 (Alcon Vision, LLC) pachymeter and the resultant flap diameter compared to intended diameter.Methods: This single arm, prospective, single surgeon study assessed the accuracy of the intended flap thickness and diameter, after successful bilateral LASIK surgery. The WaveLight FS200 femtosecond laser was used to create all flaps with an intended thickness of 120 μm. Flap thickness was calculated by subtracting the stromal bed thickness after flap lift from the preoperative corneal thickness using the WaveLight EX500 on-board optical pachymeter. Flap diameter was determined using digital analysis.Results: A total of 58 subjects (116 eyes) completed the study. The calculated mean flap thickness was 120.6 ± 9.0 μm (range 102 to 143 μm) using the EX500 pre- and post-flap pachymetry measurements. There was no statistically significant difference between the planned and achieved flap thickness (p > 0.05). The mean difference in flap diameter between planned and actual was 0.02 ± 0.05 mm. Corneal thickness measured by Pentacam at up to 2 months preoperatively versus EX500 just prior to surgery was similar, with EX500 measuring 2 μm less on average than the Pentacam.Conclusion: The results suggest that the WaveLight FS200 laser is reliable for LASIK flap thickness and diameter and accurately created flaps at the intended thickness and the intended diameter.Plain Language Summary: Laser vision correction (LVC) is a popular procedure to treat refractive error and reduce or eliminate the need for spectacles. Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is one of the most common LVC procedures. With LASIK, a flap is created (using a manual blade or a femtosecond laser) in the cornea (the transparent front of the eye) and lifted to expose stromal tissue. Some of the stromal tissue is then removed by a laser to reshape the cornea and correct refractive error. Creating a flap at the desired thickness and diameter is crucial for good outcomes after LASIK. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the thickness and diameter of LASIK flaps that were created with a femtosecond laser. The results of this study suggest that the femtosecond laser accurately creates a flap at the intended thickness and at the intended diameter.Keywords: LASIK, WaveLight FS200, WaveLight EX500, femtosecond laser, flap creation
