Am J Ophthalmol. 2007 Apr;143(4):691-3. Epub 2006 Dec 8.

Confocal microscopy of a femtosecond laser LASIK flap before separation.

Kitzmann AS, Bourne WM, Patel SV.
Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.

PURPOSE: To describe stromal changes after a femtosecond laser laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap was created but not separated.

DESIGN: Case report.

METHODS: As part of a randomized paired-eye study comparing LASIK flap creation by a femtosecond laser to a mechanical microkeratome, a femtosecond laser flap was successfully created on one eye of one patient, but the flap was not separated because of a flap-related complication in the fellow eye. Confocal microscopy of the femtosecond laser flap was performed before and at intervals after it was created.

RESULTS: Activated keratocytes and interface haze were visible at one day after femtosecond laser treatment, with gradual resolution toward normal over two months. The femtosecond laser flap was easily separated four months after it was created.

CONCLUSIONS: Corneal photodisruption by the femtosecond laser is associated with transient keratocyte activation and corneal haze, but marked wound healing does not occur to hinder flap separation several months later.

Femtosecond laser, has been with out question, one of the most significantly advance on refractive eye surgery. But at this point still some side effect studies about how this laser can affect the retina.

How can this laser be an 'advance' if it also creates a flap that never heals? Essentially a 'doctor' takes a strong healthy eye and created a flap that is at risk of vision threatening dislocation and infection for life. The decrease in corneal strength and stability may lead to complete corneal failure and need for corneal transplant.

This for an elective surgery that provides perhaps a temporary reduction in dependence on glasses?

And now you're suggesting that femtosecond lasers may also harm the retina?

I have difficulty using the term 'advance/advances' in conjunction with laser corneal refractive surgeries.

The only 'advance' I could imagine is a ban on such procedures.