Aspheric laser in situ keratomileusis for the correction of myopia using the technolas 217z100: comparison of outcomes versus results from the conventional technique

Abstract

Purpose: To compare postoperative outcomes of a new aspheric laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) system, which applies an index for corneal asphericity (Q-value), with outcomes of the conventional LASIK procedure.

Methods: Twenty-eight eyes of 15 consecutive patients (mean age, 36.4 +/- 5.8 years) underwent aspheric LASIK (As-LASIK group), and 33 eyes of 18 consecutive patients (mean age, 32.9 +/- 8.3 years) underwent conventional LASIK (Con-LASIK group) at Sanno Hospital (Tokyo, Japan). Both procedures were performed with a Moria LSK-One microkeratome and a Bausch and Lomb Technolas 217-z100 excimer laser. Preoperative mean spherical equivalent refraction values were -5.13 +/- 1.23 diopters (D) and -5.63 +/- 0.88 D in the As-LASIK and Con-LASIK groups, respectively. Higher order aberrations were measured and contrast sensitivity was assessed at 3 months after the procedure, and these, along with safety, efficacy, and predictability, were compared between the two procedures.

Results: Conventional LASIK significantly increased higher order aberrations and reduced contrast sensitivity, whereas As-LASIK did not increase spherical-like aberrations or alter contrast sensitivity.

Conclusions: Aspheric LASIK may be a better laser technique than Con-LASIK, with less postoperative increase in spherical-like aberrations and better control over contrast sensitivity.