Comparison of Higher-Order Aberrations after LASEK between Two Different Laser Platforms for Low-to-Moderate Myopia

To compare the differences in higher-order aberrations (HOAs) after laser subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) between two different laser platforms.

One hundred and seven eyes of 107 patients were included in this study. Fifty-six eyes underwent LASEK with the Triple-A profile (an ablation profile of the MEL 90 excimer laser) and 51 eyes underwent LASEK with the aspheric (Aberration Smart Ablation [ASA]) profile. Uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), corneal topography, and ocular aberrations were measured before and 6 months postoperatively.

In the ASA group, the values of horizontal trefoil, vertical coma, horizontal coma, spherical aberrations, and total HOAs increased significantly after surgery (all P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the vertical trefoil between the preoperative and 6-month postoperative periods. In the Triple-A group, there were no differences in vertical trefoil and horizontal trefoil values between the preoperative and 6-month postoperative periods. Compared with the preoperative values, vertical coma, horizontal coma, spherical aberrations, and total HOAs were significantly increased at 6 months after surgery (all P < 0.05). Compared to the Triple-A group, higher horizontal trefoil and horizontal coma were introduced in the ASA group at 6 months postoperatively.

The Triple-A ablation profile of the MEL 90 excimer laser at a 500-Hz pulse rate was an efficient method to correct myopia, especially for mild-to-moderate myopia, compared with the aspheric ablation model, fewer horizontal trefoil and horizontal coma were induced at 6 months after LASEK.

HOAs, Higher-Order Aberrations; LASEK, laser subepithelial keratomileusis; ASA, Aberration Smart Ablation; UDVA, uncorrected distance visual acuity; CDVA, corrected distance visual acuity.