Initial Visual and Refractive Outcomes of Keratorefractive Lenticule Extraction Using 2MHz Femtosecond Laser Platform

Purpose: To report the initial refractive and visual outcomes of keratorefractive lenticule extraction (KLEx) procedures using the 2MHz femtosecond laser platform in myopia and myopic astigmatism. Methods: All eyes meeting the following inclusion and exclusion criteria from April to June 2024 were selected for the study. The study included patients >18 years of age with vision 20/25 or better, myopia with SEQ of -0.5D to -12.5D, residual stromal thickness >300 microns and stable refraction for one year. Excluded were those with hypermetropia, mixed astigmatism, corneas <480 microns, corneal diseases, active illnesses, pregnancy, abnormal corneal shape, and patients not able to commit to a 3-month follow-up. Results: A total of 198 eyes (102 patients) comprising 45 (44.1%) females and 57 (55.9%) males, with a mean age of 23.9 ± 4.8 years, were considered for statistical analysis. 90.4% of the eyes achieved 20/20 UDVA or better after surgery. Correlation between attempted SEQ and achieved SEQ was 0.9636 implying high predictability. Our study demonstrated high accuracy with 100% eyes achieving SEQ ± 1.00D of intended target and 91.9% of eyes within 0.5D of intended target SEQ. The present study confirms the refractive stability with minimal changes (-0.04D relative to the intended target) over 3 months of follow up. Conclusion: The present study shows that the KLEx procedure is highly efficacious and safe, with visual and refractive outcomes showing good predictability and stability.