Long-term observation and evaluation of femtosecond laser-assisted thin-flap laser in situ keratomileusis in eyes with thin corneas but normal topography.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the long-term outcomes of thin-flap laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in eyes with thin corneas (central corneal thickness [CCT] <500 μm) but normal topography.


METHODS
Private center, Tokyo, Japan.


METHODS
Retrospective randomized comparative study.


METHODS
The efficacy, safety, predictability, and topography of LASIK were evaluated in eyes with a CCT of less than 500 μm but with normal topography (thin-cornea group) to 6 years postoperatively. The LASIK outcomes in the thin-cornea group were compared with those in eyes with a CCT of 500 μm or greater (control group). Analysis was performed to determine whether there were differences between the groups at the last checkup 3 to 4 years postoperatively.


RESULTS
In the thin-cornea group (291 eyes; 146 patients), no significant differences were observed in LASIK outcomes when eyes were subdivided by the time of final checkup (3, 4, and ≥ 5 years). There was a significant difference in visual and refractive outcomes between 3 months postoperatively and the last checkup in the thin-cornea group and the control group (371 eyes; 193 patients). No significant difference in visual, refractive, or topography outcomes was observed between the 2 groups at the last checkup.


CONCLUSIONS
Laser in situ keratomileusis in eyes with thin corneas was as safe and effective as and showed similar long-term stability in eyes with a CCT of 500 μm or greater. No eye in either group had a postoperative complication.


BACKGROUND
No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
From Shinagawa LASIK Center (Tomita, Watabe, Mita), Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Wenzhou University (Tomita), Wenzhou, China; Storm Eye Institute (Waring), Medical University of South Carolina, and Magill Vision Center (Waring), Charleston, South Carolina, USA. Electronic address: tomita@shinagawa-lasik.com.
Minoru
M
Tomita
From Shinagawa LASIK Center (Tomita, Watabe, Mita), Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Wenzhou University (Tomita), Wenzhou, China; Storm Eye Institute (Waring), Medical University of South Carolina, and Magill Vision Center (Waring), Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
Miyuki
M
Watabe
From Shinagawa LASIK Center (Tomita, Watabe, Mita), Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Wenzhou University (Tomita), Wenzhou, China; Storm Eye Institute (Waring), Medical University of South Carolina, and Magill Vision Center (Waring), Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
Mariko
M
Mita
From Shinagawa LASIK Center (Tomita, Watabe, Mita), Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan; Wenzhou University (Tomita), Wenzhou, China; Storm Eye Institute (Waring), Medical University of South Carolina, and Magill Vision Center (Waring), Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
George O
GO
Waring
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D063171:Corneal Pachymetry; D019781:Corneal Topography; 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; D009216:Myopia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D009929:Organ Size; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012029:Refraction, Ocular / Q000502:physiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult