The human corneal lenticules created with the VisuMax® femtosecond laser system are of predictable, good-quality surface. This study shows the influence of pulse energy on surface regularity in human eyes. Further studies should focus on optimization of laser parameters as well as surgical technique to improve the regularity of the corneal stromal bed and so make the advantages of the femtosecond laser technology over conventional techniques clearer in the future.

Purpose: To determine the surface characteristics of porcine corneal lenticules after Femtosecond Lenticule Extraction. Methods: The Carl Zeiss Meditec AG VisuMax® femtosecond laser system was used to create refractive corneal lenticules on 10 freshly isolated porcine eyes. The surface regularity on the corneal lenticules recovered was evaluated by assessing scanning electron microscopy images using an established scoring system. Results: All specimens yielded comparable score results of 5–7 points (SD = 0.59) per lenticule (score range minimum 4 to maximum 11 points). Surface irregularities were caused by tissue bridges, cavitation bubbles or scratches. Conclusion: The Femtosecond Lenticule Extraction procedure is capable of creating corneal lenticules of predictable surface quality. However, future studies should focus on the optimization of laser parameters as well as surgical technique to improve the regularity of the corneal stromal bed.

Foreign bodies and dacryoliths are important differential diagnoses in the treatment of chronic dacryocystitis. Different surgical approaches are possible and should be available for treatment. Patients' history often reports prior lacrimal surgery.

LTS of ext-DCR shows very good results, thus underlining its superiority to other surgical approaches. Special attention should be paid to diseases and previous surgical interventions on the nose and/or sinus that effect the lacrimal duct system. Therefore, a special committee of ENT physicians and ophthalmologists has been established at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Halle. From the surgical point of view, it is important to create an adequate mucosal anastomosis using lacrimal and nasal mucosa. Restoration is possible with lacrimal stent materials. The indication for ext-DCR was restricted by competition with transcanalicular endoscopic interventions to preserve physiological lacrimal drainage.