Tracker-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia using the autonomous scanning and tracking laser: 12-month results.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the safety, efficacy, and predictability of the Autonomous scanning and tracking laser for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism with laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) procedure.


METHODS
Retrospective, noncomparative case series.


METHODS
The first 129 consecutive eyes with up to -13.00 diopters (D) of myopia and -5.00 D of astigmatism.


METHODS
Myopic tracker-assisted LASIK (T-LASIK) using the Autonomous Laser (Alcon Summit Autonomous, Waltham, MA) and Hansatome microkeratome (Bausch & Lomb Surgical, Bracknell, England).


METHODS
Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), manifest spherical equivalent (MSE), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and complications were studied.


RESULTS
At 12 months, the mean MSE was -0.02 +/- 1.01 D, with 79.1% of eyes within 0.5 D and 89.9% of eyes within 1 D of the intended correction. UCVA was 20/20 or better in 71.4%, 20/25 or better in 78.5%, and 20/40 or better in 92.8% of eyes. Two eyes (1.6%) lost 2 lines and five eyes (3.8%) gained 2 lines of BSCVA. Sixteen eyes (12.4%) required retreatment to correct residual myopia or astigmatism. After retreatment, 14 of 16 eyes were within 0.5 D of emmetropia. Nine eyes (6.9%) had minor flap complications; two eyes (1.6%) had grade 2 diffuse lamellar keratitis, of which one eye had associated peripheral flap melt. One eye showed slight decentration; this eye was rolling throughout the procedure. All eyes had some dryness, with 10% severe enough to require temporary punctual occlusion with plugs.


CONCLUSIONS
T-LASIK for myopic astigmatism with the Autonomous Laser is relatively safe, effective, and predictable. The tracker seems to be effective, and the complications are relatively few. Retreatment rates are acceptable and can be performed safely and effectively to improve visual outcome. The outcomes are comparable with other published data.
Chitkara
Deepak K
DK
Rosen Eye Surgery Centre, Manchester, England, UK.
Rosen
Emanuel
E
Gore
Christa
C
Howes
Frank
F
Kowalewski
Elizabeth
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000601:surgery; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity