Initial Visual and Refractive Outcomes of Keratorefractive Lenticule Extraction Using 2MHz Femtosecond Laser Platform

To report the initial refractive and visual outcomes of keratorefractive lenticule extraction (KLEx) procedures using the 2MHz femtosecond laser platform in myopia and myopic astigmatism.

All eyes meeting the following inclusion and exclusion criteria from April to June 2024 were selected for the study. The study included patients >18 years of age with vision 20/25 or better, myopia with SEQ of -0.5D to -12.5D, residual stromal thickness >300 microns and stable refraction for one year. Excluded were those with hypermetropia, mixed astigmatism, corneas <480 microns, corneal diseases, active illnesses, pregnancy, abnormal corneal shape, and patients not able to commit to a 3-month follow-up.

A total of 198 eyes (102 patients) comprising 45 (44.1%) females and 57 (55.9%) males, with a mean age of 23.9 ± 4.8 years, were considered for statistical analysis. 90.4% of the eyes achieved 20/20 UDVA or better after surgery. Correlation between attempted SEQ and achieved SEQ was 0.9636 implying high predictability. Our study demonstrated high accuracy with 100% eyes achieving SEQ ± 1.00D of intended target and 91.9% of eyes within 0.5D of intended target SEQ. The present study confirms the refractive stability with minimal changes (-0.04D relative to the intended target) over 3 months of follow up.

The present study shows that the KLEx procedure is highly efficacious and safe, with visual and refractive outcomes showing good predictability and stability.