First clinical results of epithelial laser in situ keratomileusis with a 1000 Hz excimer laser

Purpose: To evaluate the safety, stability, and efficacy of the first clinical cases of epithelial laser in situ keratomileusis (epi-LASIK) performed using a 1000 Hz excimer laser system. Setting: Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany. Methods: The epi-LASIK procedure was performed using an EpiLift microkeratome and a WaveLight Concept System 1000 laser. Preoperatively and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, a complete ophthalmic examination was performed. The examination included objective and subjective refraction, uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities, and topography. Results: The study comprised 30 eyes of 17 patients. The mean spherical equivalent was -4.36 diopters (D) ±1.77 (SD) preoperatively, 0.07 ± 0.38 D 1 month postoperatively, -0.06 D ± 0.25 D at 3 months, and -0.05 ± 0.24 D at 6 months. Six months postoperatively, 90% of patients were within ±0.50 D of the intended correction and all were within ±1.00 D. At 3 months, 25 eyes had a clear cornea and 5 eyes had trace haze. Conclusions: In this pilot series, the use of the 1000 Hz excimer laser did not lead to the clinical side effects that are potentially associated with the use of a high repetition rate. The safety, stability, and efficacy of the laser were high although no adjustments to the nomogram were made. Financial Disclosure: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. Additional disclosures are found in the footnotes.