Laser in situ keratomileusis corneal flap creation with Nidek MK-2000 and the Carriazo Barraquer microkeratomes

PURPOSE: To evaluate the performance of the Nidek MK-2000 and the LSK Carriazo Barraquer microkeratomes in the creation of corneal flaps for laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: A prospective randomized study of 55 eyes of 30 patients who underwent LASIK was performed. Twelve corneal flaps were created by the Nidek MK-2000 microkeratome (160-μm head), 30 corneal flaps by the Carriazo Barraquer 160-μm head microkeratome, and 13 corneal flaps by the Carriazo Barraquer 180-μm head microkeratome. Flap thickness (evaluated by ultrasonic pachymetry), flap diameter, hinge size, and hinge- to-center-of-pupil distance were measured. RESULTS: For the Nidek MK-2000 microkeratome, mean flap thickness was 149.58 ± 25.61 μm (range, 94 to 186 pro), flap diameter was 8.81 ± 0.34 mm (range, 8.4 to 9.1 mm), hinge size was 4.31 ± 0.45 mm (range, 3.9 to 4.8 mm), and hinge-to-center-of-pupil distance was 3.79 ± 0.70 mm (range, 3.9 to 4.7 mm). For the Carriazo Barraquer 160-μm head microkeratome, mean flap thickness was 123.9 ± 22.28 μm (range, 104 to 155 μm), flap diameter was 9.08 ± 0.44 mm (range, 8.7 to 11 mm), hinge size was 4.04 ± 0.61 mm (range, 4 to 6 mm), and hinge-to- center-of-pupil distance was 4.37 ± 0.24 mm (range, 4 to 4.5 mm). For the Carriazo Barraquer 180-μm head microkeratome, mean flap thickness was 167.23 ± 24.92 μm (range, 145 to 198 μm), flap diameter was 9.12 ± 0.18 mm (range, 9 to 9.4 mm), hinge size was 4.21 ± 0.39 mm (range, 4 to 5 mm), and hinge-to-center-of-pupil distance was 4.47 ± 0.24 mm (range, 4.2 to 4.7 mm). There was no correlation between corneal curvature and flap diameter. No case was aborted due to improper corneal flap creation. An epithelial defect was found in 5 eyes after reverse movement of the Nidek MK-2000 microkeratome. CONCLUSION: The Nidek MK-2000 and the Carriazo Barraquer microkeratomes were effective, safe, and reliable in the creation of corneal flaps for LASIK.