Flap characteristics, predictability, and safety of the Ziemer FEMTO LDV femtosecond laser with the disposable suction ring for LASIK.
OBJECTIVE
The outcomes of laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) operations performed with the Classic FEMTO LDV femtosecond laser using the plastic single-use suction ring (Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems) and the Allegretto Wave Concerto 500 Hz excimer laser (Wavelight AG) are presented in terms of accuracy, predictability, and safety of the operation.


METHODS
A FEMTO LDV plastic suction ring was used for flap creation in 342 eyes of 179 patients. The intended flap thickness was 90 μm. The size of the suction ring varied from 9.0 to 10.0 mm. Flap dimensions were measured and correlated to preoperative characteristics.


RESULTS
Mean flap thickness was very constant, 89.6 ± 2.0 μm (range 84-97). In 163 bilateral operations, the second flap was 1.1 μm thinner than the one cut first (P<0.0001). Mean flap diameter was 9.4 ± 0.2 mm (range 8.1-9.9). Mean hinge length was 3.9 ± 0.2 mm (range 3.0-4.2). In hyperopic eyes, flap thickness correlated negatively with keratometric power K1 and flap diameter. In hyperopic eyes, flap diameter correlated positively with spherical equivalent refraction and with keratometric power K1 as well as hinge length both in myopic and hyperopic eyes. Complications were reported in 12 (3.5%) eyes. Complications were very mild and none of them prevented further refractive laser treatment. Two Snellen lines of corrected distance visual acuity were lost in one (0.3%) eye.


CONCLUSIONS
The FEMTO LDV plastic single-use suction rings yielded accurate and reproducible flaps and were safe for the creation of thin corneal flaps.
1] Department of Ophthalmology, Mehiläinen Hospital, Silmäasema Medical Center Tampere, Tampere, Finland [2] SILK, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tampere, School of Medicine, Tampere, Finland.
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Pietilä
Department of Ophthalmology, Mehiläinen Hospital, Silmäasema Medical Center Tampere, Tampere, Finland.
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Huhtala
1] Department of Ophthalmology, Mehiläinen Hospital, Silmäasema Medical Center Tampere, Tampere, Finland [2] SILK, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tampere, School of Medicine, Tampere, Finland.
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Mäkinen
1] SILK, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tampere, School of Medicine, Tampere, Finland [2] TAUH Eye Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.
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Uusitalo
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004209:Disposable Equipment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006956:Hyperopia / Q000601:surgery*; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D054018:Lasers, Excimer / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D012029:Refraction, Ocular / Q000502:physiology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013396:Suction / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000473:pathology; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult