Intraocular pressure during lamellar cuts with two different microkeratomes.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Ophthalmic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• New ophthalmic technologies like LASIK present novel complications.
• Microkeratome use during LASIK causes intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations.
• Conventional tonometry cannot accurately measure IOP during microkeratome procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and quantify IOP fluctuations during the complete microkeratome treatment process.
• To assess IOP changes associated with two distinct microkeratome systems.

Main Methods:

• Utilized enucleated porcine eyes for direct IOP measurement.
• Employed a Statham manometer for precise IOP monitoring during microkeratome treatment.
• Evaluated IOP during vacuum and lamellar cut phases for two microkeratome systems.

Main Results:

• Observed significant IOP elevations: Corneal Shaper (77-140 mm Hg), Keratek (229-360 mm Hg).
• Measured extreme IOP spikes during the lamellar cut phase.
• Recorded a sudden IOP drop to -5 mm Hg post-vacuum phase.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights unphysiologically high IOP values during microkeratome use.
• These extreme IOP elevations may pose significant risks to patients, particularly those with pre-existing ocular conditions.