Microkeratome complications

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Technology
• Corneal Surgery

Background:

• Laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common refractive surgery.
• Corneal flap creation is a critical step in LASIK surgery.
• Microkeratomes, both mechanical and femtosecond laser-based, are used for flap creation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss complications associated with microkeratome flaps in LASIK surgery.
• To compare the complication profiles of mechanical microkeratomes versus femtosecond lasers for LASIK flap creation.
• To identify risk factors for microkeratome flap complications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on LASIK microkeratome flaps.
• Analysis of reported complications such as partial/irregular flaps, buttonholes, and free flaps.
• Comparison of flap characteristics and stability between mechanical and femtosecond laser platforms.

Main Results:

• Common complications include partial or irregular flaps, buttonholes, and free flaps.
• Risk factors identified include older age, hyperopia, and prolonged contact lens wear.
• Femtosecond lasers demonstrate superior flap stability and dimensional consistency over mechanical microkeratomes, with no significant difference in final visual acuity.

Conclusions:

• Mechanical microkeratomes are associated with specific flap complications in LASIK.
• Femtosecond laser platforms offer enhanced flap stability and precision compared to mechanical microkeratomes.
• Despite differences in flap characteristics, final visual outcomes are comparable between the two methods.