Accuracy and precision of LASIK flap thickness using the IntraLase femtosecond laser in 1000 consecutive cases.
To report the safety and flap thickness predictability of LASIK using the IntraLase femtosecond laser.



A retrospective analysis of 1000 consecutive LASIK cases was performed to assess the rate of intra- and postoperative complications and loss of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA). A subset of 260 eyes was prospectively analyzed to assess flap thickness predictability using subtraction ultrasound on the day of surgery.



No serious intra- or postoperative complications were noted. Three (0.3%) patients had epithelial defects that required a bandage contact lens. Four (0.4%) patients had slipped caps on day 1 that required repositioning. Two (0.2%) patients developed grade I diffuse lamellar keratitis. No patient developed epithelial ingrowth >1 mm from the flap edge, transient light sensitivity, or infection. No patient lost > or = 2 lines of BSCVA at 6 months postoperatively. With an attempted flap thickness of 105 microm with the 15-KHz laser, the mean flap thickness was 116.79 +/- 10.75 microm (range: 95 to 148 microm) (n = 119). In the 30-KHz group (n = 141), the target corneal flap thickness was 115 microm, with a mean flap thickness of 114.02 +/- 9.82 microm (range: 93 to 163 microm). Overall 87.3% of eyes were within +/- 20 microm of the intended result. Ninety-eight percent of caps created with the 30-KHz laser were within +/- 20 microm compared to 74.8% in the 15-KHz group.



LASIK surgery with the IntraLase femtosecond laser is safe and flap thickness is predictable.
Auckland University, Save Sight and Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney, Australia. gsutton@theeyeinstitute.com.au
Gerard
G
Sutton
Chris
C
Hodge
D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000592:standards*; D054018:Lasers, Excimer / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014792:Visual Acuity