Comparison of corneal aberrations after myopic LASEK and LASIK surgeries using two different excimer lasers

Abstract Purpose: To compare changes in high order corneal aberrations (HOCA) after myopic LASEK and LASIK surgeries using two different excimer lasers. Methods: This prospective study included 124 eyes of consecutive patients divided into 4 groups; group 1 LASEK with Technolas 24 eyes, group 2 LASIK with Technolas 26 eyes, group 3 LASIK with Esiris 37 eyes, group 4 LASEK with Esiris 37 eyes. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and manifest refraction were measured, in groups, before and 3 months after surgeries. The topography data were used to calculate HOCA with 6 mm pupil size, before and 3 months after surgery. Results: There were no significant differences, 3 months after surgery, in BCVA, UCVA and in manifest refraction between patients treated with LASEK and LASIK regardless of the laser used. There was a significant increase in spherical, astigmatic, coma and total RMS aberrations in Technolas groups 3 months after surgery. They were lower in LASIK than in LASEK (p< 0,001). The same results were found in spherical and high order aberrations in Esiris groups (p: 0.001; p: 0.06). There were also higher in LASEK, 3 months after surgery. Conclusions: : Our results suggest that both lasers produced an equal increase in HOCA. Therefore, it depends on the surgical technique used. HOCA after LASEK were higher than after LASIK 3 months after surgery.