All-laser LASIK produces faster visual recovery and better visual outcomes than conventional LASIK, according to a new large-scale study.
All-laser LASIK vs. microkeratome-flap LASIK: Study design
The study evaluated 42,143 consecutive myopic eyes treated with wavefront-guided LASIK using a VISX S4 IR Advanced CustomVue excimer laser (Abbott Medical Optics, Santa Ana, Calif.).
Patients were divided into two groups: in one group, the corneal flap was created with an IntraLase femtosecond laser; in the other group, the flap was created with a bladed microkeratome.
Visual outcomes were measured at one day, one week, one month and three months after surgery.
All-laser LASIK vs. microkeratome-flap LASIK: Results
The researchers found that though the refractive accuracy of the two procedures was essentially equal, more patients in the all-laser LASIK group achieved uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better at all follow-up visits.
Steven C. Schallhorn, MD, presented the results of the study at the annual meeting of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons held this week in Barcelona, Spain.
Dr. Schallhorn is chairman of the International Medical Advisory Board (IMAB) for Optical Express, a health care company based in the UK and, according to the company, the largest provider of laser eye surgery in Europe.
SOURCE: Femtosecond laser shows advantages over microkeratome in large series of LASIK patients. Ocular Surgery News website (OSNsupersite.com). September 14, 2009.
Tags: laser eye surgery