Comparison of visual acuity, refractive outcomes, and satisfaction between LASIK performed with a microkeratome and a femto laser

Abstract

PurposeTo compare refractive outcomes, visual acuities, and satisfaction of patients between those treated with laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using a Hansatome microkeratome (HM) and femto-assisted laser (FAL).MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of 1,366 eyes in 687 patients who underwent LASIK with an HM (n=1,137) and an FAL (n=229) at the two centers of Hashmanis Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Refractive outcomes, including sphere, cylinder, and spherical equivalent in diopters (D), and visual acuities were assessed both preoperatively and at 1 month follow-up. Patient satisfaction was gauged by contacting the patient at the time of chart review.ResultsThe postoperative median sphere, cylinder, and spherical equivalent values for those treated with FAL were 0.3±0.7 (−5.5–1.8), −0.5±0.6 (−5.0–1.0), and 0.0±0.7 (−6.0–1.6), respectively. For the HM arm, they were 0.0±1.28 (−10.8–6.8), −0.5±0.5 (−4.5–1.5), and −0.3±1.3 (−11.6–6.8), respectively. All preoperative values were statistically insignificant between the groups, while postoperative values were significant with P-values <0.001. Predictability and efficacy index was higher for the FAL (92.1%, 1.00) than the HM group (82.2%, 0.84). Similarly, patient satisfaction was slightly higher for those treated with FAL (93.3%) than HM (91.4%).ConclusionOur large retrospective analysis of eyes that have undergone LASIK using HM and FAL shows superior refractive outcomes in the latter, with special regard to procedural efficacy and predictability.

Intraoperative Patient Experience and Postoperative Visual Quality After SMILE and LASIK in a Randomized, Paired-Eye, Controlled Study

“…Previous studies of femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK have used a linear scoring system to assess the postoperative subjective satisfaction and found high patient satisfaction rates of 88% to 95% that would recommend LASIK to friends and relatives. [18][19][20][21] Although useful for an overall evaluation of the surgical outcome, this does not specify what the patients are satisfied with (eg, their visual outcome or living without glasses and contact lenses).…”

Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking Combined with an Artiflex Iris-Fixated Anterior Chamber Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation in a Patient with Progressive Keratoconus

“…Refractive surgery was contraindicated in those with KC in the past [ 9 ]. LASIK, one of the most successful refractive surgeries in the world, cannot be performed in such patients due to fear of keratectasia [ 10 , 11 ]. However, novel techniques have enabled the physician to cater to this important demographic as well.…”

Visual and Refractive Outcomes of Topography-guided Laser-assisted In Situ Keratomileusis in Virgin Eyes

“…The study protocol [ 11 , 12 ] and reasons for exclusion [ 13 ] have been discussed in previous studies. Included in the study were patients aged 18 years or over who sought LASIK eye surgery for spectacle independence.…”