Clinical evaluation of corneal flap created by mechanical microkeratome in sub-bowman's keratomileusis

AIM: To observe the flap characteristics and the factors correlated to the thickness of the cornea flap created with mechanical microkeratome in sub-bowman's keratomileusis(SBK).METHODS: One hundred and ninety-six consecutive eyes of 98 patients were treated with Moria One Use-Plus SBK microkeratome. The intended flap thickness was 100μm. The flap thickness was measured by A type ultrasound. The flap complications were recorded and single variable correlations of the flap thickness and preoperative MRSE, corneal diameter, corneal thickness, corneal keratometric value K were determined. RESULTS: The mean flap thickness was 100.96±5.35μm, mean flap thickness was 103.56±5.22μm in the left eyes and 98.12±5.50μm in the right eyes, the difference between right and left eyes was statistically significant(t=2.36, PF=0.438,P>0.05). Corneal flap thickness was positively correlated with preoperative corneal keratometric value K(r=0.452, Pr=0.312, PCONCLUSION: The corneal flaps created by mechanical microkeratome in SBK have even thickness, good predictability and fewer complications, and are positively correlated with preoperative corneal keratometric value K and preoperative central corneal thickness.