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Atomic force microscopy for the evaluation of corneal surface roughness after femtosecond laser flap creation and excimer ablation.
- Source :
- International Ophthalmology; Nov2023, Vol. 43 Issue 11, p4131-4136, 6p
- Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- Introduction: It is well known that the femtosecond laser lamellar cut induces some degree of surface roughness. Nevertheless, as in femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK (FS-LASIK), an excimer LASIK ablation is performed, and the post-ablation stromal bed should show some degree of smoothening. We decided to compare, using atomic force microscopy (AFM), the roughness of the corneal stromal bed, after a femtosecond lasers device flap was created with or without an excimer myopic ablation. Methods: Using 6 freshly enucleated porcine eyes, we created in every eye a flap using a femtosecond laser. Additionally, in 3 eyes, an excimer laser ablation to correct-3 diopters (D) was made. AFM imaging of the remaining corneal stroma was performed. Ten different square areas of 20 μm x 20 μm at the central area of the stroma of each corneal sample were studied. The roughness parameters used were the root-mean-square deviation from a perfectly flat surface. Results: The RMS deviation was 360 ± 120 nm in femtosecond laser only, and 110 ± 20 nm in those cases where excimer is also involved (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Our results show that the roughness of the surface treated with excimer is clearly lower than in the group with no excimer ablation; thus, the application of laser excimer after a flap created by femtosecond laser seems to soften the nano-irregularities created by this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 01655701
- Volume :
- 43
- Issue :
- 11
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- International Ophthalmology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 172329031
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-023-02821-z