Changes in corneal surface aberrations after myopic INTRALASIK and LASEK: Comparison between Technolas and Esiris

Purpose: To compare high order corneal aberrations (HOCA) after myopic INTRALASIK and LASEK, using two different excimer lasers Methods: This prospective study included 237 eyes of consecutive patients divided into 4 groups; group 1 LASEK with Technolas (LT) 61 eyes, group 2 LASEK with ESIRIS (LE) 73 eyes, group 3 INTRALASIK with Technolas (IT) 61 eyes, group 4 INTRALASIK with Esiris (IE) 42 eyes. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and manifest refraction were measured, in groups, before and 3 months after surgeries. The topography data were used to calculate HOCA with 6 mm pupil size, before and 3 months after surgery. Results: There were no significant differences concerning visual results 3 months after surgery in none of the 4 groups. However, there was an increase in total RMS and high order in patients treated with Esiris laser. The aberrations with INTRALASIK (p< 0,01) were higher. With Technolas laser, there were significant differences in total RMS, spherical and coma aberrations. In this case, aberrations after LASEK (p< 0,01) were higher. Conclusions: Our results suggest that both excimer lasers produce an increase in HOCA with equal visual results. Higer HOCA were found after INTRALASIK with Esiris and LASEK with Technolas.