Reproducibility of flap thickness with IntraLase FS and Moria LSK-1 and M2 microkeratomes.
OBJECTIVE
To compare flap thickness reproducibility of the femtosecond laser and two mechanical microkeratomes.


METHODS
Flap thickness for all eyes was measured as the difference between the preoperative (day of surgery) full corneal thickness and post-flap creation central stromal bed thickness using ultrasonic pachymetry. Flap thickness values produced by three different microkeratome systems were compared for accuracy and reproducibility.


RESULTS
For 99 flaps created using the IntraLase FS laser with an intended thickness of 110 microm, the mean achieved thickness was 119 +/- 12 microm (range: 82 to 149 microm). In 100 eyes treated with the Moria LSK-1 microkeratome with an intended flap thickness of 160 microm, the mean achieved thickness was 130 +/- 19 microm (range: 71 to 186 microm). In 135 eyes treated with the Moria M2 microkeratome with an intended flap thickness of 130 microm, mean thickness was 142 +/- 24 microm (range: 84 to 203 microm). The standard deviation and range of corneal flap thickness created with the IntraLase FS laser was significantly smaller than either mechanical microkeratome (P < .0001).


CONCLUSIONS
When compared to two commonly used mechanical microkeratomes, mean achieved flap thickness was more reproducible with the IntraLase FS laser, reducing the comparative risk of overly thick flaps.
Talamo
Jonathan H
JH
Laser Eye Consultants of Boston, 1601 Trapelo Rd, Ste 184, Waltham, MA 02451, USA. jtalamo@lecb.com
Meltzer
Jeremy
J
Gardner
John
J
D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000473:pathology*; D019781:Corneal Topography; D004867:Equipment Design; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012030:Refractive Errors / Q000473:pathology; D054140:Refractive Surgical Procedures; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome