INTRAOCULAR-PRESSURE DURING LAMELLAR CUTS WITH 2 DIFFERENT MICROKERATOMES

Background: The rapid integration of new technology into ophthalmologi c practice, e. g. LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis), is associated with new complications. The limitations of the new technology cannot b e precisely determined. During lamellar cuts with microkeratomes intra ocular pressure (IOP) elevations occur. The IOP elevation during the l amellar cut cannot be determined by conventional tonometry. Materials and method: We examined the IOP rise during the complete microkeratome treatment. Fresh enucleated porcine eyes were cannulated and direct I OP measurement with a Statham manometer was carried out. Thus we evalu ated the IOP during the complete treatment for two differently constru cted microkeratome systems. Results: IOP elevations (mean values) betw een 77 mm Hg for the Corneal Shaper and 229 mm Hg for the Keratek duri ng the vacuum phase and 140 mm Hg for the Corneal Shaper and 360 mm Hg for the Keratek during the lamellar cut were monitored. A sudden IOP decrease to -5 mm Hg was registered for the post-vacuum phase. Conclus ions: In our opinion unphysiologic high IOP values could be dangerous for risk eyes.