Thin-Flap Laser In Situ Keratomileusis-Associated Dry Eye: A Comparative Study Between Femtosecond Laser and Mechanical Microkeratome–Assisted Laser In Situ Keratomileusis

Objective: To assess and compare postlaser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) dry eye after LASIK with planned thin flaps created by a femtosecond laser (FS) and mechanical microkeratome (MK). Methods: Patients were stratified according to the flap creation technique into FS and MK groups with planned 100 μm flap thickness in all eyes. Dry eye parameters including tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer I test, ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and lower tear meniscus height and area (tear meniscus height [TMH] and tear meniscus area [TMA]) were assessed before surgery and at 3 and 6 months after surgery. Results: The study included 102 eyes of 55 patients (52 eyes underwent FS-LASIK/50 eyes underwent MK-LASIK). The preoperative characteristics including age, gender, and spherical equivalents were similar in both groups (P>0.05). The difference in postoperative flap thickness was statistically significant (P
Source: Eye and Contact Lens: Science and Clinical Practice - Category: Opthalmology Tags: Article Source Type: research