Wavefront-Guided Laser Treatment Using a High-Resolution Aberrometer to Measure Irregular Corneas: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Refractive Surgery
• Corneal Aberrations

Background:

• Aberrated eyes present unique challenges for refractive surgery.
• High-resolution aberrometry is crucial for precise treatment calculation.
• Wavefront-guided laser procedures offer potential for customized correction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot study visual, refractive, corneal, and aberrometric changes after wavefront-guided LASIK or PRK.
• To evaluate treatment efficacy in aberrated eyes using a high-resolution aberrometer.
• To assess outcomes in specific patient groups: keratoconus post-CXL, post-LASIK, and post-RK.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 20 aberrated eyes (18 patients) undergoing wavefront-guided LASIK or PRK.
• Utilized VISX STARS4IR excimer laser and iDesign aberrometer for treatment calculation.
• Evaluated visual acuity, refraction, contrast sensitivity, corneal topography, and ocular aberrations over 6 months.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant improvements in uncorrected and corrected visual acuity and spherical equivalent in keratoconus post-CXL and post-LASIK groups.
• All eyes gained at least one line of corrected visual acuity.
• Significant reduction in higher-order aberrations, particularly primary coma, observed in the post-LASIK group.

Conclusions:

• Wavefront-guided laser enhancements demonstrated safety and effectiveness in restoring visual function.
• The evaluated platform successfully addressed visual deficits in eyes with pre-existing aberrations.
• Promising results for complex corneal cases requiring customized refractive correction.