Oval suction ring may create smaller flap during LASIK

SAN DIEGO — New oval suction rings may be help create smaller oval flaps during myopic LASIK surgery, according to a presentation here at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery annual meeting.

Mohamed El-Kateb, MD, PhD, and colleagues evaluated the flap dimensions of 30 patients who underwent myopic LASIK surgery using a regular rounded ring in one eye and a new oval suction ring in the other eye. Group 1 included 40 eyes in which +1 rounded or oval rings were used, and group 2 included 20 eyes in which +2 rounded or oval rings were used.

There was no significant difference between rounded or oval rings in either group for white-to-white diameters. There were no significant differences in vertical and horizontal flap diameters and hinge size in group 2.

There was a significant difference between the rounded and oval rings in group 1 for vertical and horizontal flap diameters and hinge size, El-Kateb said.

“The other benefit of the oval rings is to reduce intraoperative bleeding during flap making, especially in cases of corneal pannus and small corneas,” he said. – by Kristie L. Kahl

Disclosure: El-Kateb reports no relevant financial disclosures.