Thin LASIK Flap Creation Using the SCHWIND Carriazo-Pendular Microkeratome

PURPOSE: To study the outcomes of LASIK after intended thin flap creation using the SCHWIND Carriazo-Pendular microkeratome with the 90-microm head. METHODS: Forty-seven eyes of 26 patients (mean age 28.78+/-6.98 years) underwent LASIK with a superior hinge flap using the 90-microm head of the SCHWIND Carriazo-Pendular microkeratome. Evaluation included flap parameters (thickness, diameter, hinge size), complications, and visual outcome. RESULTS: No intraoperative or early postoperative complications were observed. The mean flap thickness was 79.88+/-6.94 microm (range: 70 to 93 microm). Mean flap diameter was 9.25+/-0.45 mm (range: 8.5 to 11 mm) whereas mean hinge size was 4.63+/-0.66 mm (range: 3 to 6.5 mm). No eye lost lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, and all eyes were emmetropic within one diopter postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The SCHWIND Carriazo-Pendular microkeratome with the 90-microm head seems to have increased accuracy in intended creation of thin flaps.