title: Correction factor for ablation algorithms used in corneal refractive surgery with gaussian-profile beams.
abstract: We provide a correction factor to be added in ablation algorithms when a Gaussian beam is used in photorefractive laser surgery. This factor, which quantifies the effect of pulse overlapping, depends on beam radius and spot size. We also deduce the expected post-surgical corneal radius and asphericity when considering this factor. Data on 141 eyes operated on LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) with a Gaussian profile show that the discrepancy between experimental and expected data on corneal power is significantly lower when using the correction factor. For an effective improvement of post-surgical visual quality, this factor should be applied in ablation algorithms that do not consider the effects of pulse overlapping with a Gaussian beam.
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jiménez
authors.forename: Rosario
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Anera
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jiménez Del Barco
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hita
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pérez-Ocón