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LASIK variant creates multifocal or aspheric corneal surface to treat presbyopia
J Refract Surg. 2010;26(10):824-826.
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A novel laser ablation technique proved safe and effective in treating presbyopia while preserving distance vision, a study found.
The WaveLight Allegretto excimer laser (Alcon) was used to perform progressive multifocal LASIK, an ablation method designed to fashion a multifocal or aspheric corneal surface.
"The goal of [progressive multifocal LASIK] is to create a prolate corneal shape with negative spherical aberration to increase depth of field and improve near vision in a presbyopic individual," the study author said.
The retrospective study included 178 patients who underwent bilateral progressive multifocal LASIK. The IntraLase femtosecond laser (Abbott Medical Optics) was used to create flaps of 8.5 mm in diameter with a 60° hinge and 70° side cut. The analysis included 102 patients who completed a 3-month follow-up.
Before surgery, uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 33% of patients, 20/25 or better in 34% of patients, 20/30 or better in 38% and 20/40 or better in 55%.
At 3 months after surgery, uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 81% of patients, 20/25 or better in 98% and 20/30 or better in 100%.
Binocular near visual acuity also improved at 3 months; 44% of patients saw J1, 60% saw J2 and 96% saw J3, the author reported.