Three femtosecond laser comparisons: IntraLase FS30 comes out on top

The IntraLase femtosecond FS30 laser creates a more predictable and more stable flap thickness than the Hansatome XP microkeratome (Bausch & Lomb) and the IntraLase femtosecond FS2 laser, according to research conducted by Baha Toygar and colleagues from Turkey.

A prospective study of the three LASIK procedures was performed in 303 eyes of 167 patients. Each procedure was carried out by the same surgeon. The Hansatome XP microkeratome with 120 µm head was used on 92 eyes (Group A). The IntraLase FS2 15 Hertz laser was used to create a 120 µm flap in 100 eyes (Group B) and the IntraLase FS30 30 Hertz laser was used to create a 120 µm flap in 111 eyes (Group C). Flap thickness was measured by subtraction of intraoperative stromal pachymetry from intraoperative corneal pachymetry.

The mean flap thickness was 133.37±20.37 µm in Group A, 132.25±19.90 µm in Group B and 116.45±18.13 µm in Group C.

The researchers found that the IntraLase femtosecond FS30 created more predictable and stable flap thicknesses than the other two lasers. No significant differences were found between the Hansatome XP and the IntraLase FS2.

Ophthalmology Times Europe reporting from the XXIV Congress of the ESCRS, London, 9-13 September, 2006.