Complications of Sub-Bowman’s Keratomileusis With a Femtosecond Laser in 3009 Eyes

<h4>PURPOSE</h4><p>To assess the safety and complication rate of sub-Bowman’s keratomileusis (SBK) in 3009 eyes. </p> <h4>METHODS</h4><p>The flaps were created using the IntraLase femtosecond laser, and excimer ablation was performed with the Bausch & Lomb H.Eye.Tech laser system. The complications of SBK were evaluated retrospectively. The types of complications were grouped into intra- and postoperative flap related.</p> <h4>RESULTS</h4><p>In 3009 SBK procedures, the total complication rate was 0.63%. Intra- and postoperative flap-related complication rates were 0.33% and 0.30%, respectively. Only 1 (0.033%) eye lost one line of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity from diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK). Intraoperative complications included flap tear, free cap, bubble escape, and flap folds. Postoperative complications included DLK and epithelial ingrowth. Other flap-related complications such as uneven bed, buttonhole, short flap, flap striae, or wrinkles did not occur in this series. All intraoperative complications were managed within the same day.</p> <h4>CONCLUSIONS</h4><p>The complication rate of SBK is low. Vision loss is also rare. [<cite>J Refract Surg</cite>. 2008;24:S97-S101.]</p> <p><h4>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</h4> <p>From the Department of Ophthalmology, Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital, Happy Valley, Hong Kong.</p> <p>The author receives lecture honorarium from AMO, Santa Ana, Calif.</p> <p>Presented at the Asia-Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons Meeting; September 27, 2007; Hanoi, Vietnam.</p> <p>The author thanks Silvania Lau for her assistance in preparing this manuscript.</p> <p>Correspondence: John S.M. Chang, MD, Dept of Ophthalmology, Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital, 8/F Li Shu Pui Block, 2 Village Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong. Tel: 852 2385 8885; Fax: 852-2385 8887; E-mail: <A href="mailto:johnchang@hksh.com">johnchang@hksh.com</a></p>