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Effect of microkeratome suction duration on corneal flap thickness and incision angle
Kyoung Yul Seo1, Xiu H Wan, Jae W Jang
1Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei Institute of Vision Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Purpose:
To determine the effect of suction duration on corneal flap thickness and incision angle of the cut margin created by a microkeratome in a porcine eye.
Methods:
Thirty porcine eyes were randomly assigned to three groups according to different suction duration: group 1 (10 sec), group 2 (35 sec), and group 3 (60 sec). The Hansatome microkeratome with a #160 plate and 8.5-mm-diameter suction ring was used to create a corneal flap with a diameter of 8.5 millimeters. Corneal flap thickness was measured by automated ultrasonic pachymetry, and the incision angle was assessed by measuring the angle of a sagittal section of the cornea using image analysis software.
Results:
Mean corneal flap thickness in groups 1 (10 sec), 2 (35 sec), and 3 (60 sec) was 87.8 +/- 22.0 microm, 116.0 +/- 7.0 microm, and 127.2 +/- 16.8 microm, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between groups 1 (10 sec) and 2 (35 sec) (P=.005) and groups 1 and 3 (P=.004). The mean incision angle in groups 1, 2, and 3 was 34.8 +/- 9.0 degrees, 44.4 +/- 16.1 degrees, and 48.24 +/- 15.3 degrees, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found between groups 1 (10 sec) and 2 (35 sec) (P=.044) and groups 1 (10 sec) and 3 (60 sec) (P<.001).
Conclusion:
In laser in situ keratomileusis in porcine eyes, an increase in suction duration resulted in a thicker flap and greater incision angle.
Insights
Longer suction duration during microkeratome use in porcine eyes resulted in thicker corneal flaps and increased incision angles. This study highlights suction duration as a key factor in laser in situ keratomileusis outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Technology
- Corneal Surgery
Background:
- Microkeratome use is critical in refractive surgery.
- Corneal flap characteristics influence surgical outcomes.
- Optimizing microkeratome parameters is essential for predictable results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of varying suction durations on corneal flap thickness.
- To evaluate the effect of suction duration on the incision angle of the corneal cut margin.
- To analyze these effects in a porcine eye model using a Hansatome microkeratome.
Main Methods:
- Thirty porcine eyes were divided into three groups based on suction duration: 10, 35, and 60 seconds.
- A Hansatome microkeratome with an 8.5-mm ring was used to create corneal flaps.
- Automated ultrasonic pachymetry measured flap thickness, and image analysis assessed incision angles.
Main Results:
- Mean flap thickness increased significantly with longer suction duration (10 sec: 87.8µm, 35 sec: 116.0µm, 60 sec: 127.2µm).
- Mean incision angle also increased significantly with longer suction duration (10 sec: 34.8°, 35 sec: 44.4°, 60 sec: 48.2°).
- Statistical significance (P<.05) was observed for both flap thickness and incision angle differences between groups.
Conclusions:
- Increased suction duration during microkeratome use leads to thicker corneal flaps.
- Longer suction duration is associated with a greater incision angle in the corneal cut margin.
- Suction duration is a critical variable affecting corneal flap geometry in laser in situ keratomileusis procedures.