Comparison of LASIK with the OPDCAT or OATz algorithm using the NIDEK EC-5000CXII excimer laser

PURPOSE: To compare refractive outcomes, higher order aberrations, visual quality, and patient satisfaction between aspheric and whole-eye wavefront aspheric LASIK algorithms. METHODS: Two hundred seventy-four eyes of 152 patients undergoing LASIK for myopia and myopic astigmatism were divided into two groups: eyes that underwent treatment using either the OPD-guided customized aspheric treatment (OPDCAT) or optimized aspheric treatment zone (OATz). Both groups were subdivided into two groups based on preoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) <-6.00 diopters (D) and eyes with MRSE ≥-6.00 D. Both groups were additionally subdivided into eyes with preoperative ocular higher order aberrations <0.40 μm and eyes with higher order aberrations ≥0.40 μm. A P value <.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: At 3 months postoperatively, 88.3% (242/274) of eyes were available for follow-up. Postoperatively, 91.4% of eyes in the OPDCAT group and 90.6% of eyes in the OATz group were within 0.50 D. No difference in refractive outcomes and patient satisfaction among groups or subgroups was noted (P>.05). A significantly less change in asphericity (less oblate) was noted for the OPDCAT group (0.31±0.30) compared with the OATz group (0.51±0.35) (P<.05). A lower induction of aberrations in the OPDCAT group compared with the OATz group was noted (P<.05). Mesopic contrast sensitivity was significantly higher for the OPDCAT groups and subgroups (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Refractive outcomes between groups or subgroups were equivalent. A significantly lower induction of higher order aberrations and less change in asphericity in the OPDCAT group was noted. The OPDCAT algorithm was more likely to maintain mesopic contrast sensitivity.