DR. Robert Ang’s research work entitled “A Comparative Study Between the Schwind Carriazo Pendular and the Bausch and Lomb XP Microkeratome in LASIK Flap Creation” won first prize in the Clinical Category of the 2009 Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology Residents research paper competition. It was presented by coauthor Dr. Cel Garcia, along with Asian Eye Institute (AEI) cornea fellow Dr. Joan Barleta.

The study showed that flap thickness with the Schwind keratome was significantly thinner, allowing LASIK treatment of higher myopic refractive errors. However, the thin flaps increased the risk of flap wrinkle and dislocation. The Bausch and Lomb XP-created flaps were significantly thicker and more stable. The study recommends that a thicker residual corneal bed thickness be used for LASIK computations when using the XP microkeratome as a safety consideration to avoid post-LASIK ectasia.

Another research paper by Dr. Ang’s refractive team entitled “EpiLASIK Flap On Versus Flap Off Results” had earlier earned four local and international awards. The coauthors and presentors were Dr. Karen Reyes, Dr. Barleta and Dr. Joan Hernandez. (Sheila