title: IntraLase femtosecond laser vs mechanical microkeratomes in LASIK for myopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and predictability of IntraLase (Abbott Medical Optics) femtosecond laser-assisted compared to microkeratome-assisted myopic LASIK.
  
  
  METHODS
  A comprehensive literature search of Cochrane Library, PubMed, and EMBASE was conducted to identify relevant trials comparing LASIK with IntraLase femtosecond laser to LASIK with microkeratomes for the correction of myopia. Meta-analyses were performed on the primary outcomes (loss of ≥2 lines of corrected distance visual acuity [CDVA], uncorrected distance visual acuity [UDVA] 20/20 or better, manifest refraction spherical equivalent [MRSE] within ±0.50 diopters [D], final refractive SE, and astigmatism), and secondary outcomes (flap thickness predictability, changes in higher order aberrations [HOAs], and complications).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifteen articles describing a total of 3679 eyes were identified. No significant differences were identified between the two groups in regards to a loss of ≥2 lines of CDVA (P=.44), patients achieving UDVA 20/20 or better (P=.24), final UDVA (P=.12), final mean refractive SE (P=.74), final astigmatism (P=.27), or changes in HOAs. The IntraLase group had more patients who were within ±0.50 D of target refraction (P=.05) compared to the microkeratome group, and flap thickness was more predictable in the IntraLase group (P<.0001). The microkeratome group had more epithelial defects (P=.04), whereas the IntraLase group had more cases of diffuse lamellar keratitis (P=.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  According to the available data, LASIK with the IntraLase femtosecond laser offers no significant benefits over LASIK with microkeratomes in regards to safety and efficacy, but has potential advantages in predictability.
authors.affiliation: The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Zhejiang, China.
authors.forename: Shihao
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Yifan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Feng
authors.forename: Aleksandar
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stojanovic
authors.forename: Mirko R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Jankov
authors.forename: Qinmei
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000295:instrumentation*; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps