LASIK Flap Creation and Ablation Protocol

LASIK flaps were created with the VisuMax femtosecond laser system (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany). The corneal flaps were lifted, and a 7.5-mm optical zone ablation was performed using an excimer laser (Technolas; Bausch & Lomb, New Jersey, U.S.A.) [28 (link)]. Fig 1A. The flaps were subsequently repositioned, and two interrupted sutures were used to hold the flap in place (10–0 Nylon). A bandage contact lens was immediately applied, and temporary tarsorrhaphy was used to close the eyelids. A subconjunctival injection of dexamethasone and gentamicin was given and repeated at post-operative day 3 at the time of suture removal. After surgery, 0.3% Tobramycin and 0.1% Dexamethasone eye drops were administrated four times daily for 1 week.