Comparison of conventional and wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis using MEL 70 excimer laser and WASCA analyzer

Abstract

Aim: To compare the refractive outcome of laser in situ keratomileusis with and without wavefront-guided ablation. Methods: Forty eyes of 20 p atients with mild to moderate myopia were included in the study. Laser in situ keratomileusis was performed in each patient using a Hansatome microkeratome and a MEL 70 G-Scan Excimer Laser. In 10 patients (20 eyes) this was followed by wavefront aberration supported cornea ablation (group 1). The remaining 20 eyes did not receive this additional treatment (group 2). All patients were assessed preoperatively and 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after laser in situ keratomileusis. Assessment included manifest refraction and visual acuity. Results: Data collected preoperatively showed no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. The mean preoperative refractive error (spherical equivalent) was -4.38 D (SD, 1.78 D) in group 1 and -5.31 D (SD, 1.92 D) in group 2. Group 1 showed significantly better refraction than group 2 at all follow-up time points (p < 0.05). Six months after laser in situ keratomileusis, refraction was within ±1 D of the intended value for 100% of patients in group 1 and 90% in group 2. A gain in visual acuity of 1 Snellen line was achieved in 30% of group 1 and 15% in group 2 and visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 100% and 90% of patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Conclusion: The outcome of wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis was superior to that of non-wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis 6 months after treatment. © 2007 Scientific Communications International Limited.