KEY TAKE-AWAYS
- Two fundamentally different principles of flap creation: the microkeratome mechanically separates the corneal tissue with the blade to create a flap, while in femtosecond LASIK a spatula is required to separate the stromal tissue bridges to create a flap
- Microkeratome and femtosecond LASIK provide overall a similar safety and visual outcome profile
- Age-related differences may exist, with femtosecond LASIK being more predictable and safe in patients older than 40 years compared to microkeratome LASIK
- Femtosecond laser created flaps allow for higher accuracy, a more uniform thickness across the flap diameter, produce smoother stromal bed surfaces and allow for quicker recovery