Vector analysis of astigmatic changes and optical quality outcomes after wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis using a high-resolution aberrometer.

PURPOSE: To assess the ocular optical quality results as well as the astigmatic changes after wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in eyes with myopic astigmatism.

SETTING: Instituto Clínico-Quirúrgico Oftalmológico, Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain.

DESIGN: Prospective case series.

METHODS: Thirty-three eyes having wavefront-guided LASIK with the Star S4IR excimer laser combined with the iDesign system were enrolled in the study. Changes in visual acuity, refraction, higher-order aberrations, and ocular scattering index (OSI) were evaluated during a 3-month follow-up. The Alpins method was used to analyze the astigmatic changes.

RESULTS: A significant reduction was observed in refraction (P < .001), with significant improvement in uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities (P < .001). All eyes had a spherical equivalent within ±0.50 diopter (D) and UDVA of 20/25 or better at 90 days after surgery. A total of 27.3% of eyes gained lines of CDVA. No significant changes were observed in primary coma and spherical aberration (P ≥ .551). Likewise, no significant changes were observed in OSI (P = .361), with a mean 90-day postoperative value of 0.66 ± 0.58 (SD). A significant change to negative values of the magnitude of error (P = .007) and a significant decrease in the correction index (P = .004) were observed during the follow-up, with mean 90-day postoperative values of -0.24 ± 0.28 D and 0.86 ± 0.17 D, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Wavefront-guided LASIK using a high-resolution aberrometer provided safe and efficacious correction of myopic astigmatism, with preservation of the ocular optical quality.