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Subject Area

Tropical Medicine

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study is to compare the predictability and accuracy of laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) corneal flap thickness when created using either a VisuMax femtosecond laser or a classic Moria M2 microkeratome, because of the direct impact of the residual stromal bed on post-LASIK ectasia. Background LASIK is now considered the most popular procedure of correcting refractive errors. A great advancement had been accomplished in this field since it was first practiced. The technology of femtosecond laser has been used to achieve more safe and accurate results. Patients and methods This study was carried on a total number of 80 patients (i.e., 160 eyes). Each patient underwent a bilateral LASIK surgery. Patients were divided into two equal groups; thus, each group included 40 patients (i.e., 80 eyes). In the first group (Femto), the corneal flaps were made using the VisuMax femtosecond laser, whereas in the second group (Moria), the corneal flaps were made using a Moria M2 microkeratome. The flap evaluation and thickness measurement was performed 3 months postoperatively with a noncontact anterior-segment optical coherence tomography system, Cirrus HD-OCT 5000. Results At 3 months postoperatively, the mean central flap thickness achieved in the Femto group was 102.06 ± 5.37 μm (with a deviation from the target thickness of 100 μm by 2.06 ± 5.37 mm). Although the mean central flap thickness achieved in the Moria group was 130.25 ± 12.61 μm (with a deviation from the target thickness of 90 μm by 40.25 ± 12.61 mm). By comparing the deviation in both groups, the P value was found to be less than 0.001 indicating a high significant difference between them. Conclusion This study shows the superiority of the VisuMax femtosecond laser system over the popular Moria M2 mechanical microkeratome in terms of flap uniformity, predictability, and accuracy.

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