Laser in situ keratomileusis versus laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy for the correction of high myopia.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To compare the visual and refractive outcomes of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) in the treatment of high myopia.

SETTING:

Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, and Balgeunsesang Ophthalmology Clinic, Seoul, South Korea.

METHODS:

Four hundred seventy eyes of 240 patients with manifest refraction spherical components greater than -6.00 diopters (D) were assigned to 2 groups: 324 eyes (167 patients) were treated with LASIK and 146 eyes (73 patients), with LASEK. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), remaining refractive error, corneal haze, and complications were followed in both groups for 12 months.

RESULTS:

At 12 months, the mean spherical equivalent (SE) was within +/-0.50 D of emmetropia in 205 eyes (63.3%) in the LASIK group and 81 eyes (55.5%) in the LASEK group and within +/-1.00 D in 261 eyes (80.6%) and 104 eyes (71.2%), respectively. The UCVA was 20/25 or better in 269 LASIK eyes (83.0%) and 111 LASEK eyes (76.0%). There was more than a 1-line loss of BSCVA in 4 LASIK eyes (1.2%) and 21 LASEK eyes (14.3%). The between-group differences in SE, magnitude of cylinder, UCVA, and haze were statistically significant (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Both LASIK and LASEK were safe and effectively treated eyes with high myopia. Laser in situ keratomileusis provided superior results in visual predictability and corneal opacity.

• Authors: Jin Kook Kim, Sung Soo Kim, Hyung Keun Lee, In Sik Lee, Gong Je Seong, Eung Kweon Kim, Sueng Han Han
• Journal: Journal of cataract and refractive surgery (J Cataract Refract Surg) Vol. 30 Issue 7 Pg. 1405-11 (Jul 2004) ISSN: 0886-3350 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15210215 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Astigmatism (surgery)
• Cornea (surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Intraoperative Complications
• Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ (methods)
• Male
• Myopia (surgery)
• Postoperative Complications
• Refraction, Ocular (physiology)
• Retrospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome
• Visual Acuity (physiology)