Comparative evaluation of 'flap on' and 'flap off' techniques of Epi-LASIK in low-to-moderate myopia

Abstract

Purpose: Comparative evaluation of 'flap on' and 'flap off' techniques of Epi-LASIK in low-to-moderate myopia. Methods: Sixteen eyes of eight consecutive patients with myopia < 6 D were selected for this prospective, randomized, comparative, interventional case series. Epi-LASIK surgery was performed in all eyes. In one eye of each patient, the epithelial flap was retained after excimer laser ablation (flap on). In the fellow eye, the epithelial flap was discarded (flap off) after ablation. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), spherical equivalent (SEQ), postoperative pain score, time to epithelization, and corneal haze were recorded on postoperat..