Microcapillary sign of flap alignment in femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis

Abstract

Fathy Fawzy,1,2 Sherine S Wahba,1,3 Nader Fawzy1,4 1Al Watany Eye Hospital, 2Ophthalmology Department, Military Medical Academy, 3Ophthalmology Department, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; 4Sehkraft Augenzentrum, Cologne, Germany Abstract: We present an observational sign that ensures perfect alignment during femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS LASIK). Alignment is assured when a microsponge is used to dry the flap and the area of dryness exceeds the area of direct touch of the microsponge. The area might even reach the whole circumference of the flap at the first touch. This sign of alignment can be explained by microcapillary action. This sign was not elicited in flaps created by a microkeratome. Keywords: capillarity, femtosecond LASIK flap, corneal flap alignment

Keywords

• capillarity
• femtosecond LASIK flap
• corneal flap alignment