Femtosecond laser systems superior to microkeratome system

An investigation featured in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery shows flap creation for bilateral LASIK is best performed using an IntraLase, VisuMax or Femto LDV, rather than a microkeratome.

A team led by Dr Hyunseok Ahn, Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Vision and Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea, evaluated the thickness and side-cut angle of LASIK flaps made by 1 of 3 femtosecond lasers or an M2 microkeratome, using a RtVue Fourier–domain OCT.

The participants were split into 3 femtosecond laser groups and 1 microkeratome group. Femtosecond laser group 1 (Intralase) consisted of 50 eyes, group 2, 40 eyes (VisuMax), group 3, 64 eyes (Femto LDV) and the microkeratome group consisted of 52 eyes. Groups 1 and 2 had fairly even flap configuration. Group 3 and 4 had a meniscus shape, with group 3 having the greatest flap thickness predictability.

All three of the femtosecond laser systems performed better than the microkeratome system in general. The IntraLase's side-cut angle was closest to 90º and had the least difference between central flap thickness and the mean peripeheral. The femtosecond laser systems were also able to produce a variety of flap configurations depending on the each mechanism.