Effects of laser plume evacuation on laser in situ keratomileusis outcomes

To study the effects laser plume evacuation on LASIK outcomes using a surgical vacuum and the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser.

Three-month LASIK postoperative data were evaluated retrospectively for 117 eyes treated with a laser plume evacuator and 82 eyes treated without a laser plume evacuator. All eyes were treated with the same Moria CB microkeratome and the same Nidek-EC 5000 excimer laser using the same nomogram.

No statistically significant difference was noted in the frequency of corneal abrasions, flap slippage, or the level of postoperative interface debris. A statistically significant difference (P < .001) was noted in postoperative residual refractive error and uncorrected visual acuity. In the group treated without a plume evacuator, 65% (n = 53) were within +/- 0.50 D of the intended correction, 59% (n = 48) had an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better, 68% (n = 56) had an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better, and 90% (n = 73) had an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better. In the group treated with a plume evacuator, 92% (n = 108) were within +/- 0.50 D of the intended correction, 74% (n = 87) had an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better, 89% (n = 104) had an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better, and 96% (n = 112) had an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better.

Laser plume evacuation using surgical tubing and a surgical vacuum improved refractive and uncorrected visual acuity outcomes following LASIK.