US and Canadian researchers found improvements in patient-reported satisfaction, visual quality and dry eye symptoms three months after LASIK procedures planned using the Phorcides Analytic Engine with Alcon’s Contoura topography-guided software. 

Published in Clinical Ophthalmology, the prospective single-site study enrolled 50 adults (mean age 29 years) who underwent bilateral LASIK. Subjective outcomes were measured using the Patient-Reported Outcomes with LASIK Symptoms and Satisfaction (PROWL-SS) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaires. 

According to investigators, all participants were satisfied or very satisfied with their vision at three months, compared with 14% preoperatively. Mean postoperative satisfaction score was 53.2 higher than the mean preoperative score. Postoperatively, patients also reported significant improvements in glare, halo, or starburst when wearing their best vision correction. Mean OSDI scores improved from 27.0 ± 22.4 to 7.5 ± 6.7 (p<0.0001), representing a reduction in self-reported dry eye symptoms. 

The authors said 98% of eyes achieved uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better and 81% reached 20/16 or better. Ninety-seven percent were within ±0.5D of target refraction and two-thirds gained one or more lines of corrected vision. 

Although Phorcides-planned Contoura LASIK was associated with higher patient-reported satisfaction, fewer visual disturbances and improved comfort at three months, longer follow-up is needed to confirm durability, concluded authors.