Early Changes Among FLEx, LASIK and FS-LASIK

Comparison of Early Changes in Ocular Surface and Inflammatory Mediators Among Lenticule Extraction, Laser in Situ Keratomileusis and Femtosecond Laser-assisted Laser in Situ Keratomileusis

To evaluate the short-term changes in ocular surface measures and tear inflammatory mediators after lenticule extraction (FLEx), laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) procedures.

Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with a microkeratome has been accepted wildly in the past 20 years. Gradually, laser in situ keratomileusis with a femtosecond laser-created flap (FS-LASIK)has been a popular ophthalmic procedure for the correction of refractive error. This first all-in-one FS-laser system was designed to perform the refractive lenticule extraction (ReLEx) procedures, femtosecond lenticule extraction (FLEx).They have the same feature: corneal flap. Ocular surface disruption during corneal refractive surgery is commonly considered to be closely related to the development of dry eye. Multiple etiologies contribute to this ocular surface disruption, including the flap creation and stromal ablation involved in previous refractive surgery techniques. Corneal nerve damage has been considered the main cause of dry eye, due to disrupted afferent sensory nerves, reduced blink reflex, and increased tear evaporation leading to tear film instability. In addition, postoperative inflammatory mediator fluctuations are also a key factor related to ocular surface damage. Extensive research has described the effects of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors in modulating corneal wound healing, cell migration, and apoptosis on the ocular surface after refractive surgery. This prospective clinical study is going to analyze the short-term changes in ocular surface measures and tear inflammatory mediators after FLEx, LASIK and FS-LASIK procedures.

lenticule extraction, laser in situ keratomileusis, femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis, tear, inflammatory mediators

0.3% tobramycin/dexamethasone (TobraDex, Alcon), 0.5% levofloxacin (Cravit, Santen), sodium hyaluronate (HYCOSAN,URSAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH)

Four femtosecond incisions will be created in succession: the posterior surface of the refractive lenticule (spiral in), the lenticule border, the anterior surface of the refractive lenticule (spiral out), and the corneal flap in the superior region. After the suction is released, the flap will be opened using a thin, blunt spatula and the free refractive lenticule will be subsequently grasped with a forceps and extracted, after which the flap will be repositioned carefully.

0.3% tobramycin/dexamethasone (TobraDex, Alcon), 0.5% levofloxacin (Cravit, Santen), sodium hyaluronate (HYCOSAN,URSAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH)

During LASIK surgery, the eye will be gently proptosed and a hinged corneal flap will be cut using a microkeratome. The flap will be lifted and the stromal bed will receive a 6 mm diameter and stroma ablation. Finally reposition the flap carefully.

0.3% tobramycin/dexamethasone (TobraDex, Alcon), 0.5% levofloxacin (Cravit, Santen), sodium hyaluronate (HYCOSAN,URSAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH)

Track distance and spot distance will be 3.0 μm during flap creation and 1.5 μm during flap side-cutting. The flap diameter will be 8.0 mm, and flap thickness will be set to 105 μm. Side-cut angle and hinge angle will be 90°and 50° respectively. The flaps will be created by laser scanning in spirals from the periphery to the center of the pupil. An excimer laser system will be used in the subsequent ablation of thstromal bed with a 6.0 mm optical zone. Once the excimer. ablation is completed, the flap will be repositioned in a similar fashion as in routine LASIK.

Inclusion Criteria: minimum age of 18 years(range from 18 year to 31 years); corneal thickness 500 μm with calculated residual stromal bed after treatment greater than 300 μm; preoperative spherical equivalent refraction between 2.00 diopter (D) and -6.50 D; preoperative cylindrical equivalent refraction between -0.25 D and -1.50 D; preoperative corneal curvature from 42.0 D to 46.0 D with a regular topographic pattern, verified with an Atlas topographer; monocular best corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better and stable refractive error (less than 0.5 D change) for 24 months before surgery Exclusion Criteria: systemic disease that contraindicated the surgery (such as diabetes, glaucoma and systemic collagen vascular disease); corneal abnormality or disease; a history of tear supplement usage or contact lens wear during the past year