LASIK for mixed astigmatism using the ALLEGRETTO WAVE: 3- and 6-month results with the 200- and 400-Hz platforms.
OBJECTIVE
To report the refractive results after LASIK for mixed astigmatism at one center with one surgeon comparing two laser platforms.


METHODS
A total of 137 eyes of 69 patients were treated with LASIK for mixed astigmatism up to 3.33 diopters (D) using either the ALLEGRETTO WAVE 200- or 400-Hz laser (Alcon Laboratories Inc) between April 2006 and December 2009. The degree of astigmatism was higher in the 400-Hz group. Corneal flaps were created with the IntraLase femtosecond laser (Abbott Medical Optics) in all cases.


RESULTS
The refractive outcomes with both laser systems were statistically similar. At 6 months, 78% of eyes had 20/20 or better uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) with all but one eye achieving 20/30 or better UDVA. At 6 months, 10% of eyes treated with the 200-Hz system lost one line of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) whereas no eyes treated with the 400-Hz system lost any lines of CDVA. Residual astigmatism was <0.50 D for all eyes treated with both platforms.


CONCLUSIONS
Both laser platforms provided predictable and effective treatment of mixed astigmatism in the patient populations treated, with over 90% of eyes achieving UDVA of 20/25 or better 6 months after surgery.
The Laser Center, Greensboro, North Carolina 27410, USA. stonenc@aol.com
Karl G
KG
Stonecipher
Guy M
GM
Kezirian
Kody
K
Stonecipher
D000328:Adult; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000379:methods*; D054018:Lasers, Excimer / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012029:Refraction, Ocular / Q000502:physiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult