ALL-LASER LASIK AFTER SUCTION LOSS

The solid state femtosecond laser accounts for an increasing percentage of flaps created in LASIK procedures. Proponents cite predictable flap thickness and fewer complications as potential advantages over conventional mechanical microkeratomes. However, occasionally intraoperative suction loss leads to incomplete flap creation, requiring a second pass. How well do those cases do compared to regular single pass procedures? Spanish researchers conducted a study of 42 eyes comparing visual outcomes in eyes that had undergone a LASIK flap creation with a single pass of an IntraLase femtosecond laser in one eye and a double pass in the fellow eye, followed by ablation with a Visx S2 laser. The study found that 12 months after surgery, visual acuity, refractive outcomes, and anterior corneal higher order aberrations were comparable between eyes. The authors note a need for further long-term studies using wavefront-guided excimer laser ablations and larger patient populations are desirable to evaluate possible differences, including corneal biomechanical changes and newer-generation femtosecond laser-created flaps.

G Muñoz et al., JCRS, “Single versus double femtosecond laser pass for incomplete laser in situ keratomileusis flap in contralateral eyes: Visual and optical outcomesâ€,  Volume 38, Issue 1, pages 8-15.