LASIK Flap Thickness Accuracy after Using Mechanical Microkeratome

Purpose: To asssess the accuracy of flap thickness after using the mechanical microkeratome in LASIK surgery.Design: This prospective case series study includes 20 eyes of 10 myopic patients with a refractive error ranging from –1D to –9D, with astigmatism up to 4D.Method: All surgeries were done under topical anesthesia, by the same surgeon, and the flap thickness was measured in the center, and 2mm nasal and temporal to the center, 1 month after surgery using anterior segment OCT.Results: The mean central flap thickness was 126.38mm ±3.95 (ranging from 120mm to 133mm), the mean thickness at 2mm nasal to the center was 132.6mm±4.6 (ranging from 123mm to 136mm), the mean flap thickness at 2mm temporal to the center was 133.4mm±4.4 (ranging from 124mm to 139mm), the mean flap thickness was 130.79mm±4 (ranging from 122.6mm to 137mm), the deviation from the 110mm intended flap thickness was 20.79±4 (12.66 to 27).Conclusion: LASIK flap thickness is larger than intended when the mechanical microkeratome is used.