Evaluation of the reliability of the Nidek MK-2000 microkeratome for laser in situ keratomileusis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the performance of the Nidek MK-2000 microkeratome in corneal flap creation for laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in Asian eyes and the simplicity of its use for the beginner.


METHODS
A prospective study of 200 Asian eyes was performed. The corneal flaps were created using the Nidek MK-2000 microkeratome 130-microm and 160-microm thickness plates with 8.5- and 9.5-mm suction rings. Ease of obtaining suction was evaluated and measurements were done for flap thickness, flap diameter, hinge size, and hinge-to-center-of-pupil distance.


RESULTS
Subjectively, even in small eyes, the procedure of obtaining the required suction and creating a good flap was easy and reliable with the Nidek MK-2000 microkeratome. Average flap thickness was 120.52 +/- 16.49 microm (range, 84 to 162 microm) for the 130-microm thickness plate with the 8.5-mm suction ring. Mean flap diameter was 9.16 +/- 0.43 mm, mean hinge size was 4.96 +/- 0.36 mm, and mean hinge-to-center-of-pupil distance was 4.16 +/- 0.28 mm. With the 9.5-mm suction ring, mean flap thickness was 122.06 +/- 18.54 microm (range, 84 to 149 microm), mean flap diameter was 9.85 +/- 0.35 mm, mean hinge size was 5.28 +/- 0.36 mm, and mean hinge-to-center-of-pupil distance was 4.49 +/- 0.27 mm. For the 160-microm plate with a 8.5-mm suction ring, the flap thickness was 172.71 +/- 27.49 microm (range, 121 to 203 microm), flap diameter was 9.13 + 0.37 mm, mean hinge size was 5.02 +/- 0.29 mm and mean hinge-to-center-of-pupil distance was 4.21 +/- 0.29 mm. There were no complications of corneal flap creation.


CONCLUSIONS
The Nidek MK-2000 microkeratome was effective, safe, and reliable, even in small eyes.
Naripthaphan
P
P
Department of Ophthalmology, Rajvithi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. npichit@hotmail.com
Vongthongsri
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D054140:Refractive Surgical Procedures; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012449:Safety; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity