Comparison of different excimer laser ablation frequencies (50, 200, and 500 Hz)

Abstract

The endothelial cell density and structural and ultra structural evaluation of the different ablation frequencies (50, 200, 500 Hz) showed no specific side-effects that could be associated with higher repetition rates. The quality of the ablation was comparable in all three different laser ablation frequencies. The 500-Hz excimer laser can provide the same ablation quality as slower platforms, but can also offer the advantage of requiring less treatment time than other laser platforms with lower repetition rates.

Treatment of moderate-to-high hyperopia with the WaveLight Allegretto 400 and EX500 excimer laser systems

“…These lasers are approved for up to +6.0 D of hyperopic treatment although some more conservative refractive surgeons need additional clinical evidence in order to be confident in performing laser correction on eyes with ≥+3.0 D of hyperopia. It has been shown that higher repetition rates may provide better ablation quality vs slower systems 15. This improvement in ablation quality is thought to be due to a decrease in stromal dehydration, flap shrinkage, fixation fatigue, and sensitivity to eye movements 1,2,16…”

Long-term bladeless LASIK outcomes with the FS200 Femtosecond and EX500 Excimer Laser workstation: the Refractive Suite

“…Contemporary generation excimer lasers for refractive surgery operate with high pulse repetition (more than 400 Hz)5,6 and scanning spot7 and can provide customized ablation, including aspheric ablation profiles,8 wavefront-guided,9,10 or topography-guided11,12 treatments.…”

First clinical results of epithelial laser in situ keratomileusis with a 1000 Hz excimer laser

“…There were no observable effects with rates of 60 Hz and 400 Hz. In another study, 21 we compared 3 ablation rates (50 Hz, 200 Hz, 500 Hz) and found no specific side effects associated with higher repetition rates. The quality of the ablation was equally good with all 3 ablation frequencies.…”