The Efficiency, Predictability and Safety Between Custom-Q Femotsecond Laser In Situ Keratomileusis and Second...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Refractive Surgery
• Corneal Surgery

Background:

• Comparing refractive surgical techniques is crucial for patient outcomes.
• Second-generation keratorefractive lenticule extraction (KLEx) and femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) are advanced corneal procedures.
• Understanding the comparative efficacy and safety profiles is essential for clinical decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the postoperative outcomes of second-generation KLEx and FS-LASIK.
• To assess visual acuity, refractive error, and the incidence of dry eye disease between the two surgical groups.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study design was employed.
• 124 eyes undergoing second-generation KLEx and 102 eyes undergoing FS-LASIK were analyzed.
• Primary outcomes included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), spherical equivalent (SE), astigmatism, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and dry eye disease (DED).

Main Results:

• Both procedures demonstrated comparable uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and spherical equivalent (SE) at three months postoperatively.
• Second-generation KLEx showed a statistically significant improvement in UDVA and a lower difference vector (DV) in astigmatism compared to FS-LASIK.
• The incidence of postoperative dry eye disease (DED) was significantly higher in the FS-LASIK group (p = 0.031).

Conclusions:

• Second-generation KLEx and FS-LASIK offer similar visual efficiency and predictability.
• Second-generation KLEx may be associated with a lower risk of developing postoperative dry eye disease compared to FS-LASIK.
• These findings support informed patient selection and surgical planning in refractive surgery.