Comparison of conventional and OATz ablation profiles for laser in situ keratomileusis to correct myopia up to -10.00 diopters

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare results of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using two different ablation profiles for correction of myopia between -0.50 and -10.00 D with the Nidek NAVEX system. METHODS: In a prospective nonrandomized study, 249 myopic eyes (151 patients) had LASIK for correction of myopia. The Nidek MK-2000 micro-keratome and the Nidek NAVEX excimer laser system were used in all eyes. Conventional LASIK was performed in 112 eyes of 64 patients with a 6.0-mm ablation zone and 7.5-mm transition zone (conventional group). LASIK with the Nidek OATz ablation profile was performed in 137 eyes of 87 patients, with variable ablation and transition zones (OATz group). Mean baseline manifest refraction was -4.11 ± 1.83 D in the conventional group and -5.45 ± 2.27 D in the OATz group. Baseline best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 83.9% of eyes in the conventional group and 81.0% of eyes in the OATz group. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 3.6 months (range 3 to 8 mo). At last follow-up, manifest refraction was within ±0.50 D of emmetropia in 86% of eyes (within ±1.00 D in 99.1%) in the conventional group and 94.2% of eyes (within ±1.00 D in 100%) in the OATz group. Uncorrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in all eyes. No eyes in either group lost 2 or more lines of BSCVA. CONCLUSIONS: The Nidek NAVEX system was safe and predictable in correcting myopia up to -10.00 D with the OATz ablation profile. OATz LASIK was similar to conventional LASIK in both refractive and visual outcomes.