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Femtosecond lenticule extraction yields minimal endothelial cell loss
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Femtosecond lenticule extraction to correct myopia generated insignificant endothelial cell loss and complications, according to a study.
“This new surgical approach is a promising alternative to excimer laser-based corneal refractive procedures such as LASIK, even though no nomogram was used in the current study,” the study authors said.
Investigators prospectively evaluated 38 eyes of 20 patients who underwent femtosecond lenticule extraction for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism.
LogMAR uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest spherical equivalent refraction, IOP and corneal biometry were assessed preoperatively and at 1 week and 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Endothelial cell density was measured preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively.
All procedures were performed with the Visumax femtosecond laser (Carl Zeiss Meditec) system with a 500-kHz repetition rate. The laser was visually centered on the pupil. Flaps had a diameter of 7.5 mm, and lenticules were 6.5 mm in diameter.
Study results showed UDVA was –0.14 and CDVA was –0.21 at 6 months. The difference between preop and postop UDVA at 6 months was significant (P < .001).
The safety index was 0.96, and the efficacy index was 0.82. All eyes were within 0.5 D of targeted refraction at 6 months.
Endothelial cell density decreased from 2,814 cells/mm2 preop to 2,762 cells/mm2 at 6 months; the decrease was not statistically significant.
No significant increases in IOP or vision-threatening complications were reported.
Further study with a larger patient group and longer follow-up is warranted, the authors said.
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