Measurement of the Intraocular Pressure Elevation During Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis Flap Creation Using a Femtosecond Laser Platform

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure the intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation during laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap creation using the WaveLight FS200 femtosecond (FS) laser platform. METHODS: We conducted an ex vivo experimental study in an animal model. The WaveLight FS200 FS laser platform was used to perform the corneal LASIK flap in freshly enucleated porcine eyes. We measured the changes in IOP from the application of the suction ring (suctioning phase) through the creation of the lamellar corneal flap (cutting phase). The IOP was recorded using a manometric technique with direct cannulation to the anterior chamber. RESULTS: Nine freshly enucleated porcine eyes were included in the study. The mean baseline IOP before the procedure was 20.33 ± 5.9 mm Hg. The mean IOP increase over baseline IOP was 32.33 ± 11.3 mm Hg at the suctioning phase, and 38.22 ± 11.3 mm Hg at the cutting phase. The total surgical time needed to complete the procedure was 29.5 ± 4.4 seconds. CONCLUSIONS: The WaveLight FS200 FS laser platform produces a low to moderate increase in IOP during LASIK flap creation. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: The WaveLight FS200 is a safe FS laser platform because it induces a low to moderate IOP increase during LASIK flap creation.