Reproducibility of Corneal Flap Thickness in LASIK

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Abstract
The purpose of the microkeratome in laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is to create a corneal flap of desired thickness, thus exposing the stroma. The accuracy and repeatability of intended flap thickness with the current microkeratome system has not been documented. The purpose of this study was to determine the precision and consistency of creating a corneal flap thickness of 160 microns with the Moria LSK-One microkeratome (distributed by Microtech, Inc., Doylestown, PA). The records of 93 eyes from 67 patients who underwent LASIK were reviewed. The central corneal thickness was measured at baseline. The microkeratome using a "130" footplate was used to create an intended flap 160 microns thick, and the corneal thickness was then remeasured. The mean flap thickness for both eyes combined was 159 microns (S.D. = 28). There was no significant correlation between pre-flap corneal thickness or average K and the corneal flap thickness. This study provides evidence that the Moria LSK-One microkeratome creates reproducible LASIK flaps consistently near the intended 160 microns corneal flap thickness. This knowledge enables the surgeon to make a corneal flap with great confidence in the thickness of the excision. In addition, this study provides a clinical, in vivo model for testing corneal flap thickness.

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