Initial results with an intraocular femtosecond laser demonstrate higher precision of capsulorrhexis and reduced phacoemulsification power in porcine and human eyes.

The creation of the LASIK flap alone can modify the eye's optical characteristics in low-order aberrations and HOAs. A significant increase in HOAs was seen in the Hansatome group but not in the IntraLase group. This may have significant clinical implications in wavefront-guided LASIK treatments, which are based on measurements made before flap creation.

Transient reduction of intraocular pressure might result in poor wound apposition in clear corneal incisions, with the potential for fluid flow across the cornea and into the anterior chamber, with the attendant risk of endophthalmitis.

The IntraLase 15-kHz femtosecond laser 110-microm flaps and the Hansatome 160-microm head using a new blade both produced smooth, good-quality, compact stromal beds as assessed qualitatively by masked observers and quantitatively by image analysis software. The 30-kHz femotsecond laser permits a tighter spot/line separation and lower energy per pulse, which creates smoother corneal stromal beds.

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