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

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.