Nidek MK 2000 microkeratome clinical evaluation.
To evaluate flap dimension, flap thickness, hinge size, and cut deterioration with second blade use with the Nidek MK 2000 automatic microkeratome. The Nidek MK 2000 with different head options (130 and 160 microm) and suction rings (8.5 and 9.5 mm) was used during 328 consecutive LASIK procedures, reusing the blade for the second eye in the same patient. Flap diameter and hinge size were measured under microscopy with a Castroviejo caliper and thickness was calculated using the Pachete ultrasonic pachymeter. The mean flap thickness was 116.03 +/- 19.26 microm using the 130-microm head and 147.7 +/- 21.74 microm using the 160-microm head. The average vertical flap size was 8.56 +/- 0.36 mm with the 8.5-mm suction ring and 9.45 +/- 0.32 mm with the 9.5-mm ring. The hinge size was 4.7 +/- 0.72 mm. The second cut was thinner than the first; 14.7 microm average using the 130-microm head, and 19.1 microm average using the 160-microm head. The Nidek MK 2000 microkeratome was simple, safe, predictable, and reliable for LASIK.