Picosecond UV laser creates high-quality LASIK flaps

Ljubljana, SLOVENIA — An innovative picosecond UV laser platform creates precise LASIK cuts and smooth flaps, according to one surgeon.

The Schwind Sirama is a solid-state laser with a short wavelength of 355 nm and spots that are one-third of the spot size of standard femtosecond lasers. Pavel Stodulka, MD, used it to perform 9.5-mm LASIK flaps with a hinge at 12 o’clock in 11 eyes of six patients with myopia from –1 D to –5 D.

“The laser has integrated pupil detection and cuts the flap in a circular pattern, starting from the periphery, in a fast and safe fashion,” he said at the winter meeting of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.

Pavel Stodulka

Although flap separation was slightly more difficult than with other platforms, a smooth flap interface and stromal bed, as well as a neat flap border and high-quality flap edge, were obtained. Mean flap thickness, assessed by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, was 127 µm, 3 µm less than the predicted value.

Ablation was performed using the Schwind Amaris excimer laser. Visual acuity and refractive results were good.

Most corneas were clear on day 1, but 10% to 15% of eyes had transient epithelial defect and light sensitivity in the early postop period caused by UV light.

“First results seem quite promising. Due to the shorter wavelength and smaller spot size, this laser might produce flaps of even better quality than the femtosecond laser, with less collateral tissue damage. Additional potential advantages are the affordable price and lower maintenance cost,” Stodulka said.

Disclosure: Stodulka has no relevant financial disclosures.