Effect of microkeratome suction duration on corneal flap thickness and incision angle.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of suction duration on corneal flap thickness and incision angle of the cut margin created by a microkeratome in a porcine eye.


METHODS
Thirty porcine eyes were randomly assigned to three groups according to different suction duration: group 1 (10 sec), group 2 (35 sec), and group 3 (60 sec). The Hansatome microkeratome with a #160 plate and 8.5-mm-diameter suction ring was used to create a corneal flap with a diameter of 8.5 millimeters. Corneal flap thickness was measured by automated ultrasonic pachymetry, and the incision angle was assessed by measuring the angle of a sagittal section of the cornea using image analysis software.


RESULTS
Mean corneal flap thickness in groups 1 (10 sec), 2 (35 sec), and 3 (60 sec) was 87.8 +/- 22.0 microm, 116.0 +/- 7.0 microm, and 127.2 +/- 16.8 microm, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between groups 1 (10 sec) and 2 (35 sec) (P=.005) and groups 1 and 3 (P=.004). The mean incision angle in groups 1, 2, and 3 was 34.8 +/- 9.0 degrees, 44.4 +/- 16.1 degrees, and 48.24 +/- 15.3 degrees, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found between groups 1 (10 sec) and 2 (35 sec) (P=.044) and groups 1 (10 sec) and 3 (60 sec) (P<.001).


CONCLUSIONS
In laser in situ keratomileusis in porcine eyes, an increase in suction duration resulted in a thicker flap and greater incision angle.
Seo
Kyoung Yul
KY
Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei Institute of Vision Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Wan
Xiu H
XH
Jang
Jae W
JW
Lee
Jae Bum
JB
Kim
Moon J
MJ
Kim
Eung Kweon
EK
D000818:Animals; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D019781:Corneal Topography; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; D018715:Microscopy, Video; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D013396:Suction; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000473:pathology*; D013552:Swine; D013997:Time Factors