Microbial cultures of the microkeratome blade immediately after flap construction in laser in situ keratomileusis.

Purpose: To assess the incidence of positive cultures from samples of the microkeratome blade after routine laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) procedures as a measure of the risk for postoperative infectious keratitis.

Setting: Hinsdale Surgical Center, Hinsdale, Illinois, USA.

Methods: In this prospective study, 99 microkeratome blades (Hansatome) were cultured after routine LASIK procedures by multiple surgeons at an ambulatory surgery center.