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Majority of French ophthalmologists prefer microkeratome LASIK, surgeon says
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PARIS — Several years after the introduction of femtosecond lasers in LASIK, the majority of French ophthalmologists still prefer to use microkeratomes, according to one surgeon speaking at the meeting of the French Society of Ophthalmology.
"Currently, more than two-thirds of LASIK procedures are performed with a microkeratome, also in the clinics where a femtosecond laser is available," Jean-Marc Ancel, MD, said.
There are scientific, clinical, ergonomic and financial reasons behind this choice, he explained.
"Femtosecond lasers produce a less regular surface due to the tiny air bubbles, which have also been shown to make iris registration impossible in 10% to 20% of the cases. In addition, the presence of tissue bridges makes flap lifting more difficult," he said.
Another drawback of femtosecond lasers is that they cause inflammation and therefore delay visual recovery.
Dr. Ancel said that thin flaps are no longer an exclusive advantage of femtosecond lasers because new microkeratomes, such as the Moria One-Use Plus, have the ability to perform sub-Bowman's keratomileusis.
"In addition, it has been shown that the risk rate for post-LASIK ectasia is not lower with femtosecond lasers," he said.
In addition, the issue of cost shifts the balance in favor of microkeratomes.
"The cost of microkeratome LASIK is approximately €82 per eye, while femto-LASIK is €210," he said.
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