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Effect of microkeratome suction duration on corneal flap thickness and diameter in pigs
Xiao-Li Ma1, Jian-Gang Xu, Han-Qiang Liu
1Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning Province, China.
Aim:
To determine the effect of suction duration on thickness and diameter of corneal flap created by microkeratome in porcine eyes in laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).
Methods:
SIXTY PORCINE EYES WERE RANDOMLY ASSIGNED TO THREE GROUPS ACCORDING TO DIFFERENT SUCTION DURATIONS: group 1 (10 seconds), group 2 (20 seconds), and group 3 (30 seconds). A Moria M2 microkeratome (Moria, France) with a 160µm head was used to create a corneal flap. Corneal flap thickness was measured by automated ultrasonic pachymetry, and the flap diameter was measured by a vernier caliper.
Results:
The flap thickness of group 1, group 2 and group 3 was (146.05±13.46)µm, (157.35±18.95)µm and (169.25±21.02)µm, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference among three groups (P=0.001). The mean flap diameter in groups 1, 2 and 3 was(8.63±0.19)mm, (8.89±0.24)mm and (9.06±0.18)mm, respectively. A statisti-cally significant difference was found among groups (P<0.01).
Conclusion:
In LASIK in porcine eyes, an increase in suction duration resulted in a thicker and greater flap.
