LASIK for mixed astigmatism using the ALLEGRETTO WAVE: 3- and 6-month results with the 200- and 400-Hz platforms.

PURPOSE: To report the refractive results after LASIK for mixed astigmatism at one center with one surgeon comparing two laser platforms.

METHODS

A total of 137 eyes of 69 patients were treated with LASIK for mixed astigmatism up to 3.33 diopters (D) using either the ALLEGRETTO WAVE 200- or 400-Hz laser (Alcon Laboratories Inc) between April 2006 and December 2009. The degree of astigmatism was higher in the 400-Hz group. Corneal flaps were created with the IntraLase femtosecond laser (Abbott Medical Optics) in all cases.

RESULTS

The refractive outcomes with both laser systems were statistically similar. At 6 months, 78% of eyes had 20/20 or better uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) with all but one eye achieving 20/30 or better UDVA. At 6 months, 10% of eyes treated with the 200-Hz system lost one line of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) whereas no eyes treated with the 400-Hz system lost any lines of CDVA. Residual astigmatism was <0.50 D for all eyes treated with both platforms.

CONCLUSIONS

Both laser platforms provided predictable and effective treatment of mixed astigmatism in the patient populations treated, with over 90% of eyes achieving UDVA of 20/25 or better 6 months after surgery.