Original Article

Analysis of Microkeratome Thin Flap Architecture Using Fourier-domain Optical Coherence Tomography

Karolinne Maia Rocha, MD, PhD; J. Bradley Randleman, MD; R. Doyle Stulting, MD, PhD

  • Journal of Refractive Surgery
  • October 2011 - Volume 27 · Issue 10: 759-763
  • DOI: 10.3928/1081597X-20110812-03
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Abstract

PURPOSE:

To assess the corneal architecture and reproducibility of LASIK flap thickness created by the Amadeus II mechanical microkeratome (Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG) using Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT; Optovue Inc).

METHODS:

Anterior segment Fourier-domain OCT was used to analyze the morphology of 58 LASIK flaps from 30 patients created with the Amadeus II microkeratome 140-μm head and ML7090CLB blades (Med-Logics Inc) at 2 weeks postoperatively. Flap thickness was assessed at 10 points across the central 6 mm of the cornea (horizontal and vertical meridians). Postoperative central corneal flap thickness measured by Fourier-domain OCT was compared with intraoperative ultrasound pachymetry measurements.

RESULTS:

No significant difference was noted between central flap thickness measured by intraoperative pachymetry (107.2±14 μm) and postoperative OCT (111.7±11 μm; P=.07, correlation coefficient=0.86). Fourier-domain OCT measurements demonstrated functionally planar flap architecture (standard deviation [SD] of thickness across the flap=4.9 μm, SD range across the flap=2 to 9 μm) for the microkeratome flaps.

CONCLUSIONS:

The Amadeus II microkeratome with Med-Logics blades created thin, reproducible, functionally planar flaps as measured by Fourier-domain OCT. Central flap thickness measured by intraoperative ultrasound pachymetry was equivalent to that measured 2 weeks postoperatively by OCT.

AUTHORS

From Emory Vision & Emory Eye Center, Atlanta, Georgia.

Supported in part by Research to Prevent Blindness Inc, New York, New York; and the National Institutes of Health Core Grant P30 EYO6360, Bethesda, Maryland.

The authors have no financial interests in the materials presented herein.

Correspondence: J. Bradley Randleman, MD, Emory Vision, 875 Johnson Ferry Rd, Ste 100, Atlanta, GA 30322. E-mail: Jrandle@emory.edu

doi: 10.3928/1081597X-20110812-03

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