http://www.osnsupersite.com/view.asp?rid=21816

OSN SuperSite Top Story 5/10/2007

Spherical aberrations persist after LASIK with laser- or microkeratome-created flaps

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Spherical aberration increases and remains elevated for at least 1 year after LASIK regardless of whether flaps are created using a femtosecond laser or a mechanical microkeratome, according to a study presented here.

Jay W. McLaren, PhD, and colleagues conducted the paired-eye study comparing wavefront-measured errors after LASIK performed using either technology for flap creation. Dr. McLaren discussed the results at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology meeting.

Femtosecond lasers offer precise cutting with little damage to surrounding tissue. They also allow flaps to be created in any desired geometric configuration, Dr. McLaren said.

However, the study data show that the femtosecond laser induced lasting spherical aberration similar to that resulting from microkeratomes, he said.