Femtosecond laser-assisted corneal pocket creation using a mask for inlay implantation.

PURPOSE: To describe the technique of femtosecond laser-assisted intracorneal pocket creation, using a mask for the implantation of a corneal inlay in the non-dominant eye of a 56-year-old, emmetropic, presbyopic woman for the correction of presbyopia.

METHODS

Using the iFlap treatment-type software of the femtosecond laser (IntraLase 150, Abbott Medical Optics), a full lamellar cut was created at 280-μm depth. A keyhole-shaped mask was placed at the internal part of the glass of the applanation cone. A separator was used to separate the stroma, and an inserter was used to implant the inlay at the center of the line of sight. To determine the line of sight, the microscope and centration system of the excimer laser (Allegretto Wave 400 Hz, WaveLight Laser Technologie AG) were used. The Flexivue Microlens inlay (Presbia) was implanted.

RESULTS

No intra- or postoperative complications occurred during follow-up. Uncorrected near visual acuity improved from 20/50 to 20/20 at the first postoperative week.

CONCLUSIONS

Femtosecond-assisted intracorneal pocket creation using a mask is a simple, safe, and efficient approach for the implantation of corneal inlays.