Femtotransprk: A Novel Laser Vision Correction Technique Using The Atos Femtosecond Laser With 3-Month Follow-Up

To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and refractive outcomes of a novel FemtoTransPRK technique that creates a superficial lenticule including the epithelium using a femtosecond laser system with integrated eye tracking, precise centration, and cyclotorsion compensation.

Maria-Clara Arbelaez, MD, Muscat, Oman

A retrospective analysis was performed on 50 eyes of 25 patients (mean age 25.7 ± 6.6 years; range 18–38) treated with FemtoTransPRK using the SCHWIND ATOS femtosecond laser. Cap thickness, corresponding to epithelial thickness, was adjusted from 75 µm to 70 µm and 65 µm. Outcomes were evaluated at 3 months postoperatively, including safety, efficacy, and refractive results, with emphasis on spherical equivalent (SEQ) and cylinder.

The study comprises 50 eyes. The preoperative SEQ was -2.91 ± 1.27 D (range -1.51 to -5.91 D) with cylinder ≤3.00D. Mean FemtoTransPRK lenticule thickness was 146±17.6µm [range 123 to 198µm], including the epithelium and refractive volume. The mean optical zone was 6.9±0.3mm [range 6.0 to 7.7mm]. Three months postop the mean SEQ refraction was -0.03±0.38D (range -0.75 to 0.75D) and the mean cylinder was -0.42±0.56D. The uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was the same as or better than the CDVA in 50% of the cases. The mean efficacy index was 0.96 and the mean safety index was 0.98. The residual astigmatism of ≤0.50D was achieved in 77% all patients.

The data from the 3-month follow-up of FemtoTransPRK correction reveal a full visual recovery and precise refraction. This novel technique using the ATOS femtosecond laser appears to be a safe and effective option for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism.