Corneal flap morphological analysis using anterior segment optical coherence tomography in laser in situ keratomileusis with femtosecond lasers versus mechanical microkeratome

AIM: To assess and compare the flap morphology using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with Femto LDV femtosecond lasers versus Hansatome mechanical Microkeratome. METHODS: AS-OCT (Visante) was used to compare 1 month postoperatively the morphology of the flaps created with Femto LDV femtosecond lasers or Hansatome Microkeratome. The intendedfiap thickness was 110 mu m and 160 mu m respectively. The thickness of twenty-five points across each flap, which were 0mm, 1.5mm, 2.5mm, and 3.5mm to the corneal vertex on the horizontal, vertical, 45 degrees and 135 degrees meridian respectively, was evaluated. RESULTS: One month postoperative, the central flap thickness in the Femto LDV group was 107.43 +/- 4.70 mu m, while 125.90 +/- 17.50 mu m in the Hansatome group. The difference between the actual and the expectedfiap thickness was 5.61 +/- 3.84 mu m and 31.52 +/- 12.27 mu m, respectively. The Hansatome group had presented a statistically significant result (P<0.001). Flap morphology showed a more regular planar shape in the Femto LDV group and a meniscus shape in the Hansatome group. CONCLUSION: AS-OCT is a direct and fast procedure to assess the flap morphology. The morphology by AS-OCT showed that the flaps created with Femto LDV femtosecond laser were more accurate and regular than the flaps created with Hansatome microkeratome.

Three-year results of small incision lenticule extraction and wavefront-guided femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis for correction of high myopia and myopic astigmatism

AIM： To compare and calculate the 3-year refractive results, higher-order aberrations （HOAs）, contrast sensitivity （CS） and dry eye parameters after small incision lenticule extraction （SMILE） and wavefront-guided femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis （FS-LASIK） for correction of high myopia and myopic astigmatism. METHODS： In this prospective, non-randomized comparative study, 78 eyes with spherical equivalent （SE） of -8.11±1.09 diopters （D） received a SMILE surgery, and 65 eyes with SE of -8.05±1.12 D received a wavefront-guided FS-LASIK surgery with the VisuMax femtosecond laser （Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany） for flap cutting. Visual acuity, manifest refraction, CS, HOAs, ocular surface disease index （OSDI） and tear break-up time （TBUT） were evaluated during a 3-year follow-up. RESULTS： The difference of uncorrected distance visual acuity （UDVA） postoperatively was achieved at lmo and at 3mo, whereas the difference of the mean UDVA between two groups at 3y were not statistically significant （t=-1.59, P=-0.13）. The postoperative change of SE was 0.89 D in the FS-LASIK group （t=5.76, P=0.00）, and 0.14 D in the SMILE group （t=-0.54, P=0.59） from lmo to 3y after surgery. At 3-year postoperatively, both HOAs and spherical aberrations in the SMILE group were obviously less than those in the FS-LASIK group （P=0.00）, but the coma root mean square （RMS） was higher in the SMILE group （0.59±0.26） than in the FS-LASIK group （0.29±0.14, P=0.00）. The mesopic CS values between two groups were not statistically significant at 3y postoperatively. Compared with the FS-LASIK group, lower OSDI scores and longer TBUT values were found in the SMILE group at Imo and 3mo postoperatively. With regard to safety, no eye lost any line of CDVA in both groups at 3y after surgery. CONCLUSION： Both SMILE and wavefront-guided FS- LASIK procedures provide good visual outcomes. Both procedures are effective and safe, but SMILE surgery achieve more stable long-term refractive outcome and better control of early postoperative dry eye as compared to FS-LASIK.

Dry eye and corneal sensitivity after small incision lenticule extraction and femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis:a Meta-analysis

AIM：To assess the corneal sensitivity and the incidences of dry eye after small incision lenticule extraction（SMILE） and femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis（FSLASIK）.METHODS：The Meta-analysis was performed using Rev Man 5.3.We searched on Pub Med from inception to March 2016.Summary weighted mean difference（WMD） and 95% confidence intervals（CIs） were used to analyze the datum.Random-effects or fixed-effects models were chosen up to between-study heterogeneity.The main outcomes were composed of the Ocular Surface Disease Index（OSDI） scores,tear film break-up time（TBUT）,Schirmer Test and corneal sensitivity.RESULTS：Eight eligible studies including 772 eyes（386 in SMILE group and 386 in FS-LASIK group） were identified.The parameters have no significiant difference heterogeneity between SMILE and FS-LASIK group preoperatively.There were significant differences between the two groups in OSDI scores at one and three months postoperatively,in TBUT at one and three months postoperatively,in corneal sensitivity at one week,about one month and three months postoperatively.However,there was no significant difference observed in Schirmer Test at the follow-up periods.CONCLUSION：Compare to FS-LASIK,dry eye and the corneal sensitivity recover better in the SMILE group,in first three months after the surgery.

Optical and visual quality comparison of implantable collamer lens and femtosecond laser assisted laser in situ keratomileusis for high myopia correction

AIM:To compare clinical outcomes and refractive stability of implantable collamer lens(ICL)implantation and femtosecond laser assisted laser in situ keratomileusis(FSLASIK)for high myopia correction.METHODS:The Optical Quality Analysis System(OQAS)was used to evaluate clinical outcomes objectively after operation for high myopia correction.We compared the two procedures in terms of 1-year changes in uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA),corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA),safety index,efficacy index,spherical equivalent,modulation transfer function(MTF)cutoff frequency,strehl ratio(SR)and objective scatter index(OSI).RESULTS:At 1 y postoperatively,the safety indices were 1.33±0.27 in ICL group,and 1.17±0.24 in FS-LASIK group.39.58%in the ICL group and 27.59%in the FS-LASIK group gained CDVA in 2 lines or better than that in preoperative CDVA.The efficacy indices were 1.28±0.22 in ICL group,and 1.13±0.26 in FS-LASIK group.The changes of spherical equivalent from 1 wk to 1 y postoperatively was-0.12±0.37 D in ICL group,and-0.79±0.58 D in FS-LASIK group(P<0.05).Spherical equivalent within±0.50 D was achieved in 97.92%in ICL group and 68.97%in FS-LASIK group.MTF cutoff frequency were higher with ICL as compared to FSLASIK(P<0.05)at each postoperative follow-up stage;for postoperative 1 mo later,SR was statistically significant difference between two groups(P<0.05);with no statistically significant difference in OSI between two groups(P>0.05)in postoperative 3 mo later.CONCLUSION:ICL implantation and FS-LASIK procedures both provide good safety and predictability in high myopia correction.ICL implantation provides better clinical outcomes and refractive stability than FS-LASIK.

Dislocation,fold and striae of comeal flap with laser assisted in situ keratomileusis after ocular trauma:a case report

Objective： To report the occurrence, management and outcome ot late-onset traumauc aemscence ana dislocation of laser assisted in situ keratomileusis （LASIK） flaps. Treatment and Results： One patient occurred late-onset LASIK corneal flap dislocation after ocular trauma 7days after surgery. The flap was lifted, stretched, and repositioned after irrigation and scraping of the stromal bed and the underside of the flap. A bandage contact lens was placed, and topical antibiotic and corticosteroids were given postoperatively. The dislocated corneal flap was successfully repositioned in the case. The dislocated flap was repositioned 7 days after the trauma, and the patient recovered his uncorrected visual acuity （UCVA） of 10/20, 20/20 day 1 and day 20 after the procedure, of 20/20 20 days later and had a well-positioned flap with a clear interface. Diffuse lamellar keratitis developed in the patients that resolved with the use of topical corticosteroids. Conclusion： Laser in situ keratomileusis corneal flaps are vulnerable to traumatic dehiscence and dislocation, which should be pay more attention to it for us.

Severe Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis Following Laser <i>in Situ</i>Keratomileusis with an Iatrogenic Double Flap

We present a case of an iatrogenic double flap created during laser in situ keratomileusis using a femtosecond laser microkeratome that resulted in development of severe diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK). The DLK occurred mainly in the second interface, made by the spatula accidentally and not exposed to femtosecond or excimer lasers. Because of differences in the severity of the interface inflammatory reactions between the two layers exposed to the same spatula, an allergic reaction to detergent, bacteria, or other chemicals could not be assumed to be the main cause of DLK. Our observations in this case may suggest an important association of neural factors with DLK, because the inflammatory reaction occurred mainly in the deep stromal layer at the thick corneal nerves.

Evaluation of laser in situ keratomileusis for myopic correction performed under thin flaps

AIM： To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy （LASIK） for myopic correction done under thin flaps（120μm） and compare with results obtained under thick flaps（150μm）.METHODS： The study included 150 myopic eyes of 75 patients without previous refractive surgery who underwent LASIK prospectively. Two microkeratome heads （90 and 130） were used to created a flap with thickness of 120μm and 150μm,respectively. Thin flap group（120μm） included 75 eyes while thick flap group included 75 eyes. Follow-up period was 12 mo. Efficacy,l safety, and stability were evaluated and compared between the two groups.RESULTS： In 150 eyes,the mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was -8.65±2.6D,mean sphere was -4.4±3.5D, and mean cylinder was -1.0±1.3D. THe amount of ablation was significantly larger in the thin flap （88.5±32.21μm） group than in the thick flap group （64±28.13μm）.Percentage of safety was higher in the thin flap group（94.8%） than in the thick flap group（91.7%）. There were no intraoperative complications, especially flap-related problems. Subjective symptoms of dry eye occurred in 20.7% and 33.3% of eyes in the thin and thick flap groups, respectively. CONCLUSION： Thin-flap LASIK is effective and safe in correcting myopic defects. It achivevs better visual results, rapid visual recovery, and stable postoperative refraction than LASIK with thick flaps.

Comparison of corneal flap thickness using a FS200femtosecond laser and a moria SBK microkeratome

AIMTo evaluate differences in flap thickness resulting from use of an Alcon Wavelight FS200 femtosecond laser and a MORIA SBK microkeratome when making a 110-&#x000b5;m-thick corneal flap and to identify the potential factors that affect corneal flap thickness.

Comparison of the femtosecond Laser and mechanical microkeratome for flap cutting in LASIK

· AIM: To compare refractive results, higher-order aberrations(HOAs), contrast sensitivity and dry eye after laser in situ keratomileusis(LASIK) performed with a femtosecond laser versus a mechanical microkeratome for myopia and astigmatism.·METHODS: In this prospective, non-randomized study,120 eyes with myopia received a LASIK surgery with the Visu Max femtosecond laser for flap cutting, and 120 eyes received a conventional LASIK surgery with a mechanical microkeratome. Flap thickness, visual acuity, manifest refraction, contrast sensitivity function(CSF) curves,HOAs and dry-eye were measured at 1wk; 1, 3, 6mo after surgery.·RESULTS: At 6mo postoperatively, the mean central flap thickness in femtosecond laser procedure was113.05 ±5.89 μm(attempted thickness 110 μm), and148.36 ±21.24 μm(attempted thickness 140 μm) in mechanical microkeratome procedure. An uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA) of 4.9 or better was obtained in more than 98% of eyes treated by both methods, a gain in log MAR lines of corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA) occurred in more than 70% of eyes treated by both methods, and no eye lost ≥1 lines of CDVA in both groups. The difference of the mean UDVA and CDVA between two groups at any time post-surgery were not statistically significant(P 】0.05). The postoperative changes of spherical equivalent occurred markedly during the first month in both groups. The total root mean square values of HOAs and spherical aberrations in the femtosecond treated eyes were markedly less than those in the microkeratome treated eyes during 6mo visit after surgery(P 【0.01). The CSF values of the femtosecond treated eyes were also higherthan those of the microkeratome treated eyes at all space frequency(P 【0.01). The mean ocular surface disease index scores in both groups were increased at 1wk, and recovered to preoperative level at 1mo after surgery. The mean tear breakup time(TBUT) of the femtosecond treated eyes were markedly longer than those of the microkeratome treated eyes at postoperative 1, 3mo(P 【0.01).·CONCLUSION: Both the femtosecond laser and the mechanical microkeratome for LASIK flap cutting are safe and effective to correct myopia, with no statistically significant difference in the UDVA, CDVA during 6mo follow-up. Refractive results remained stable after 1mo post-operation for both groups. The femtosecond laser may have advantages over the microkeratome in the flap thickness predictability, fewer induced HOAs, better CSF,and longer TBUT.

Comparison of corneal flaps created by Wavelight FS200 and Intralase FS60 femtosecond lasers

AIM：To assess and compare the morphology of corneal flaps created by the Wavelight FS200 and Intralase FS60 femtosecond lasers in laser in situ keratomileusis（LASIK）.METHODS：Four hundred eyes of 200 patients were enrolled in this study and divided into Wavelight FS200 groups（200 eyes） and Intralase FS60 groups（200 eyes）.Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography（RTVue OCT） was used to measure the corneal flap thickness of 36 specified measurements on each flap one week after surgery.Results were used to analyze the regularity,uniformity and accuracy of the two types of LASIK flaps.RESULTS：The mean thickness of corneal flap and central flap was 105.71±4.72 μm and 105.39±4.50 μm in Wavelight FS200 group and 109.78±11.42 μm and 109.15±11.59 μm in Intralase FS60 group,respectively.The flaps made with the Wavelight FS200 femtosecond laser were thinner than those created by the Intralase FS60 femtosecond laser（P=0.000）.Corneal flaps in the 2 groups were uniform and regular,showing an almost planar configuration.But the Wavelight FS200 group has more predictability and uniformity of flap creation.The mean deviation between achieved and attempted flap thickness was smaller in the Wavelight FS200 group than that in the Intralase FS60 group,which were 5.18±3.71 μm and 8.68±7.42 μm respectively.The deviation of more than 20 μm was 0.2% measurements in Wavelight FS200 group and 8.29% measurements in Intralase FS60 group.CONCLUSION：The morphologies of flaps created by Wavelight FS200 are more uniform and thinner than those created by Intralase FS60.

Comparison of Ziemer FEMTO LDV "Classic" and " Crystal Line" femtosecond laser flap quality by Fourierdomain optical coherence tomography

AIM:To compare the regularity and accuracy of laser in situ keratomileusis(LASIK) flaps created by the Ziemer FEMTO LDV 'Classic'(Ziemer 'Classic') and Ziemer FEMTO LDV Crystal Line femtosecond laser(Ziemer Crystal Line). METHODS:Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography(RTVue OCT) was used to measure the morphology of 200 LASIK flaps of 100 consecutive patients created with the Ziemer Classic(100 flaps) or the Ziemer Crystal Line(100 flaps) at one week postoperatively.Flap thickness was evaluated at 36 specified measurement points on each flap.For all procedures with both lasers,the nominal flap thickness was 110μm.RESULTS:The mean flap thickness of the Ziemer Crystal Line group(102.49±2.68μm) was thinner than that of the Ziemer Classic group(107.65±5.09μm)(P【0.01).Average thickness of all flaps was uniform within 4μm at all measurement points.The flaps in the Ziemer Crystal Line group were more regular than those in the Ziemer Classic group when measured from the center to the periphery.The maximum deviation from the nominal 110μm of 36 measurements was 8μm in the Ziemer Classic group,while in the Ziemer Crystal Line group it was 9μm.Within the 3 600 measurements on the 100 eyes,differences greater than 20μm were observed 0.14% in the Ziemer Classic group,and 0.04% in the Ziemer Crystal Line group. CONCLUSION:The flaps created with the Ziemer FEMTO LDV Crystal Line femtosecond laser are more uniform and thinner than those created by the Ziemer FEMTO LDV Classic femtosecond laser.

ONE YEAR RESULTS OF LASER IN SITU KERATOMILEUSIS FOR CORRECTION OF HYPEROPIA

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness, predictability and city of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for correction of hyperopia. Methods 54 eyes of 35 patients with hyperopia ranging from+1.00 to + 6. 00 diopter(D) received a one-pass, multizone scanning excimer laser ablations using the Chiron Technolas Keracor 11 7C excimer laser and System ALK automated corneal shaper H-230.Data on uncorrected and hot corrected visual acuity, predictability, stability of refraction, and complications were analyzed. The average follow-up was 12 months. Results At 12 months, the average residual refraction was(+ 0. 29 ±0. 78)D. 45 eyes (83.3% ) were in the range of ±1. OD and 33 eyes(61. 1% ) were within the range of ± 0. 5D. 50 eyes (92. 6% ) had uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better and 34 eyes (63. 0% ) had 20/20 or better. 1 eyes (1. 9% ) lost 2 line of the best-corrected visual acuity and 2 eyes (3. 7% ) gained 2 lines or more. 2 eyes (3. 7%) had complaint of halos and 1 eyes (1. 9% ) had glare at 12 months. Conclusion LASIK can he used to treat hyperopia from + 1. 0D to + 6. 0D with good predictability and city. Primary and second hyperopia should he treated with different nomogram. some modification of the surgical algorithms and laser nomogram will help to improve predictability and stability of outcome.

Clinical outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction versus femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK for myopia: a Meta-analysis

AIM：To evaluate the possible differences in visual quality between small incision lenticule extraction（SMILE）and femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis（FS-LASIK）for myopia.METHODS：A Meta-analysis was performed.Patients were from previously reported comparative studies treated with SMILE versus FS-LASIK.The Pub Med,EMBASE,Cochrane,Web of Science and Chinese databases（i.e.WANFANG and CNKI）were searched in Nov.of 2016 using Rev Man 5.1 version software.The differences in visual acuity,aberration and biomechanical effects within six months postoperatively were showed.Twenty-seven studies including 4223 eyes were included.RESULTS：No significant differences were observed between SMILE and FS-LASIK in terms of the proportion of eyes that lost one or more lines of corrected distance visual acuity after surgery（P=0.14）,the proportion of eyes achieving an uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/20or better（P=0.43）,the final refractive spherical equivalent（P=0.89）,the refractive spherical equivalent within±1.00diopter of the target values（P=0.80）,vertical coma（P=0.45）and horizontal coma（P=0.06）.Compared with the FSLASIK group,total higher-order aberration（P〈0.001）and spherical aberration（P〈0.001）were higher and the decrease in corneal hysteresis（P=0.0005）and corneal resistance factor（P=0.02）were lower in the SMILE group.CONCLUSION：SMILE and FS-LASIK are comparable in efficacy,safety and predictability for correcting myopia.However,the aberration in the SMILE group is superior to that in the FS-LASIK group,and the loss of biomechanical effects may occur less frequently after SMILE than after FS-LASIK.

Comparison of visual acuity, refractive results and complications of femtosecond laser with mechanical microkeratome in LASIK

AIM: To compare the outcomes of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) performed with a femtosecond laser (Femtec, Technolas Perfect Vision GmbH, Germany) versus a mechanical microkeratome (Hansatome, Bausch and Lomb, USA) for the correction of myopia and astigmatism. ·METHODS: In this retrospective study, patients who had undergone LASIK using the 80 -kHz Femtec femtosecond laser were compared to age- and refraction- matched patients in whom the Hansatome microkeratome was used. Refractive and visual results 1 month and 3 months postoperatively, and complication rates were compared between the two groups. ·RESULTS: A total of 280 eyes were analyzed (140 in each group). At 3 months postoperatively in the Femtec vs Hansatome group, spherical equivalent refraction was within ±1.00D of emmetropia in 140 vs 138 eyes (P = 0.498), the cylinder was within ±0.50D in 137 vs 139 eyes (P =0.622), and the UDVA was 20/20 or better in 136 vs 137 eyes (P =0.724), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the complication rates between the two groups (P =0.099). ·CONCLUSION: LASIK performed both with Femtec femtosecond laser and Hansatome microkeratome achieved satisfactory refractive and visual results at 3 months postoperatively, without significant differences in efficacy, safety, and complication rates between the two procedures.

Effect of suction on macular thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness during LASIK used femtosecond laser and Moria M2 microkeratome

·AIM: To compare the effect of suction on the macular thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer(RNFL) thickness during laser in situ keratomileusis(LASIK) used Ziemer FEMTO LDV femtosecond laser(Ziemer group) and Moria M2 automated microkeratome(Moria group) for flap creation.· METHODS: Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography(FD-OCT) was used to measure macular thickness, ganglion cell complex thickness and RNFL thickness of 204 eyes of 102 patients with the Ziemer femtosecond laser(102 eyes) and the Moria M2microkeratome(102 eyes) before surgery and 30min; 1,3d; 1wk; 1, 3mo; 1y after surgery.· RESULTS: The average foveal thickness and parafoveal retinal thickness 30 min after the surgery were statistically more than that before surgery(Ziemer P 【0.001,P =0.003 and Moria P=0.001, P=0.006) and the effect was less in the Ziemer group than that in the Moria group(P all 【0.05). The ganglion cell complex thickness was not significantly changed in both groups(P all 】0.05). The RNFL thickness was statistically less 30 min after surgery in both groups(P=0.014, P 【0.001), but the influence was less in Ziemer group than that in Moria group(P =0.038).However, the RNFL thickness had recovered to the preoperative level only 1d after surgery.·CONCLUSION: The suction of femtosecond laser and mechanical microkeratome led to the increase in macular central fovea thickness and the decrease in RNFL thickness values at the early stage after LASIK. The effect of suction on macular and the RNFL thicknesses in Ziemer group is smaller than that in Moria group.

Femtosecond laser corneal refractive surgery for the correction of high myopic anisometropic amblyopia in juveniles

AIM： To evaluate the effects of femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis（FS-LASIK） and small-incision lenticule extraction（SMILE） to correct high myopic anisometropic amblyopia in juvenile patients. METHODS： From November 2013 to January 2015, 33 amblyopic patients with high myopic anisometropic amblyopia were studied. FS-LASIK（30 eyes） or SMILE（3 eyes） was performed in the amblyopic eyes. Visual acuity, refraction, contrast sensitivity, stereoacuity and complications were evaluated. Patients completed followup examinations at 3 d, 1 mo, 3 mo and the last follow-up time（mean 8.17±3.23 mo） after surgery. RESULTS： The mean age at surgery was 9.04±3.04 y（range 6-16 y）. The mean spherical equivalent in the amblyopic eyes was significantly decreased from-10.00±2.39 D preoperatively to-0.06±1.06 D at 1 mo,-0.19±1.33 D at 3 mo and-0.60±1.43 D at approximately 8 mo postoperatively（P〈0.05 for all）. The mean myopic anisometropia was significantly decreased from-9.45±2.33 D preoperatively to ＋0.37±1.48 D at 1 mo,-0.46±1.47 D at 3 mo and-0.09±1.83 D at approximately 8 mo（P〈0.05 for all）. The logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution（log MAR） for uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity（UDVA and CDVA, respectively） of the amblyopic eye improved from 1.74±0.35 and 0.98±0.63 preoperatively to 0.45±0.31 and 0.41±0.33 at approximately 8 mo after surgery, respectively. The logM AR CDVA at 3 d, 1, 3 and 8 mo postoperatively improved by means of 1.42, 2.22, 2.96, and 4.39 lines, and a gain of more than two lines accounted for 45%, 50%, 74% and 86% of all patients, respectively. The contrast sensitivity of both amblyopic eyes and dominant eyes at 0.5, 2, 8 cycles perdegree was significantly improved postoperatively（P〈0.05 for all）. Of the 33 pediatric patients, no patients had near stereopsis preoperatively and seven patients（21.2%） recovered near stereopsis（400″ to 60″） at approximately 8 mo after surgery. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred in any patient.CONCLUSION： FS-LASIK or SMILE can be promising alternative methods to correct high myopic anisometropic amblyopia in juvenile patients who have failed with traditional approaches.

Effect of open ultraviolet germicidal irradiation lamps on functionality of excimer lasers used in cornea surgery

We report on the impact of direct ultraviolet germicidal irradiation（UVGI）on reflective optics,used in the excimer laser system Allegretto Eye-Q.The aim of our work was to confirm our hypothesis based on long-rate observations of obtained anomalies in post-operative results that are attributed to degradation of reflective optics upon ultraviolet radiation.The presence of direct UVGI coupled with humidity in the operating environment caused merging anomalies and unwanted post-operative correction values.Ultraviolet-A radiation caused a similar effect on the reflective cover of the mirrors.

Corneal neuromediator profiles following laser refractive surgery

Laser refractive surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures worldwide.In laser refractive surgery,Femtosecond Laser in Situ Keratomileusis and Refractive Lenticule Extraction have emerged as promising alternatives to microkeratome Laser in Situ Keratomileusis and Photorefractive Keratectomy.Following laser refractive surgery,the corneal nerves,epithelial and stromal cells release neuromediators,including neurotrophins,neuropeptides and neurotransmitters.Notably,nerve growth factor,substance P,calcitonin gene-related peptide and various cytokines are important mediators of neurogenic inflammation and corneal nerve regeneration.Alterations in neuromediator profiles and ocular surface parameters following laser refractive surgery are attributed to the surgical techniques and the severity of tissue insult induced.In this review,we will discuss the(1)Functions of neuromediators and their physiological and clinical significance;(2)Changes in the neuromediators following various laser refractive surgeries;(3)Correlation between neuromediators,ocular surface health and corneal nerve status;and(4)Future directions,including the use of neuromediators as potential biomarkers for ocular surface health following laser refractive surgery,and as adjuncts to aid in corneal regeneration after laser refractive surgery.

Comparative study of visual acuity and aberrations after intralase femtosecond LASIK:small corneal flap versus big corneal flap

AIM:To study the effects of different flap sizes on visual acuity,refractive outcomes,and aberrations after femtosecond laser for laser in situ keratomileusis(LASIK).METHODS:In each of the forty patients enrolled,1 eye was randomly assigned to receive treatment with a 8.1mm diameter corneal flap,defined as the small flap,while the other eye was treated with a 8.6mm diameter corneal flap,defined as the big flap.Refractive errors,visual acuity,and higher-order aberrations were compared between the two groups at week 1,month 1 and 3 postoperatively. RESULTS:The postoperative refractive errors and visual acuity all conformed to the intended goal.Postoperative higher-order aberrations were increased,especially in spherical aberration(Z12) and vertical coma(Z7).There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of postoperative refractive errors,visual acuity,root mean square of total HOAs(HO-RMS),trefoil 30°(Z6),vertical coma(Z7),horizontal coma(Z8),trefoil 0°(Z9),and spherical aberration(Z12) at any point during the postoperative follow-up.CONCLUSION:Both the small and big flaps are safe and effective procedures to correct myopia,provided the exposure stroma meets the excimer laser ablations.The personalized size corneal flap is feasible,as we can design the size of corneal flap based on the principle that the corneal flap diameter should be equal to or greater than the sum of the maximum ablation diameter and apparatus error.

Effect of age on visual and refractive results after LASIK: mechanical microkeratome versus femtosecond laser

AIM: To evaluate the effect of age on visual and refractive results after laser in situ keratomileusis(LASIK) obtained with a mechanical microkeratome or a femtosecond laser.METHODS: Retrospective, nonrandomized, cohort study. A total of 3826 eyes were included in the study(1725 eyes treated with mechanical LASIK and 2101 eyes treated with femtosecond LASIK). The relationship between patient age and the 3-month postoperative visual and refractive results of both procedures were analyzed by linear regression analysis.RESULTS: Three months postoperatively, we found a significant correlation between age and the postoperative spherical equivalent(SE; r2=0.004, P=0.006), efficacy(r2=0.006, P=0.001), and safety indexes(r2=0.05, P=0.0001) in the mechanical LASIK group. On the other hand, we found a significant correlation between age and the postoperative SE(r2=0.02, P=0.0001) and the efficacy index(r2=0.01, P=0.0001) but not the safety index in the femtosecond laser group. Mechanical LASIK provided slightly but significantly better efficacy and predictability in patients 18 to 40 years of age and femtosecond LASIK did so in patients older than 40 years of age. The femtosecond laser provided better safety results than the mechanical microkeratome in both age groups. CONCLUSION: A tendency toward undercorrection and less predictability is found with aging after myopic LASIK regardless of whether the flap was created with a mechanical microkeratome or a femtosecond laser. However, femtosecond laser provides significantly betteroutcomes in terms of efficacy, safety and predictability compared to mechanical microkeratome for the correction of myopia in patients over 40 y.