One thousand consecutive IntraLase laser in situ keratomileusis flaps.
OBJECTIVE
To measure laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap dimensions created with the IntraLase FS (IL) laser (Intralase Corporation).


METHODS
Private practice, San Diego, California, USA.


METHODS
Consecutive LASIK flaps created with the IL were measured with subtraction ultrasound at primary and enhancement surgeries. Data were stored in Outcomes Analysis Software and analyzed using MS Excel (Microsoft Corporation) and SSPS software.


RESULTS
The mean achieved flap thickness exceeded the attempted by 9.4 to 34.3 mum. The standard deviation varied from +/-10.2 to +/-21.7 mum. Preoperative corneal thickness and power did not affect achieved flap thickness. Seventy-three percent of mate eye flaps were within +/-15 mum of each other for the 90 mum attempted. The same flaps measured at enhancement were thicker than the primarily measured flaps (n = 58). Diffuse lamellar keratitis and slipped flaps were eliminated with experience. There were no decentered or irregular flaps, epithelial defects, or flap perforations.


CONCLUSIONS
Compared with published results of mechanical microkeratomes, the IL reduced the standard deviation of flap thickness as well as the achieved range. It eliminated physical complications associated with mechanical flap creation, and the impact of preoperative pachymetry and corneal power, thereby permitting more myopia to be corrected without risking deep ablations.
Binder
Perry S
PS
Gordon Binder and Weiss Vision Institute, San Diego, California 92122, USA. garrett23@aol.com
D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods; D001699:Biometry; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006956:Hyperopia / Q000601:surgery*; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000473:pathology*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014792:Visual Acuity