Laser platform combines approaches

Miami-Enhanced laser vision correction surgery using a platform combining wavefront-guided ablation, iris registration, and femtosecond laser flap creation (Advanced CustomVue with the iLASIK Suite, Abbott Medical Optics [AMO]) delivers excellent refractive and vision outcomes resulting in highly satisfied patients, said William B. Trattler, MD.

Eligible patients had low to moderate myopia (–0.5 to –6 D) with up to –3 D of cylinder and MRSE of up to –6 D. All LASIK flap creations were performed with a 60-kHz femtosecond laser (IntraLase, AMO).

Refractive, vision outcomes

"A study reported by Steve Schallhorn, MD, based on data from more than 22,000 patients operated on at an Optical Express center, demonstrates the importance of delivering excellent refractive results and achieving good vision in order for patients to be happy after LASIK," he said. "In that series, 86% of patients achieved UCVA of 20/20 or better, and among those with 20/20 unaided vision, only 1.6% were dissatisfied. If UCVA was 20/32, 5.5% of patients were dissatisfied and the dissatisfaction rate rose to 10.3% among those whose UCVA was 20/40."

Patients in the study had a mean preoperative SE of –2.80 D and relatively low cylinder (mean –0.565 D). Iris capture was possible in 92.5% of cases. There were no adverse events reported, patients were able to return to their normal activities immediately after surgery, and no patient required an enhancement within the first 3 months postoperatively.

In addition to measuring UCVA, quality of vision was evaluated at one of the investigational sites through measurement of low-contrast visual acuity. The results were very good, with almost half of patients achieving 20/25 or better and 100% 20/40 or better.

The patient satisfaction questionnaire was administered at 1 and 3 months after surgery and used a rating scale where 1 is very dissatisfied and 4 is very satisfied. Other questionnaire data showed that all patients were very satisfied with uncorrected vision during the day and 74% were very satisfied with vision at night, while the rest were satisfied.

"Patients were included in our study regardless of pupil size and so it was very encouraging to see that no patients were even mildly dissatisfied with their vision at night," Dr. Trattler said.

"Not surprising considering the good visual results, when patients were asked about the ease of performing daily activities without correction, 96% of patients reported it was improved," he said. "The rest described it as unchanged."

FYI

William B. Trattler, MDE-mail: wtrattler@gmail.com

The research was sponsored by Abbott Medical Optics. Dr. Trattler is a consultant to that company, has received other research support, and is on the speaker's bureau.