[Results of photorefractive keratectomy using the excimer laser in the treatment of myopia; 1-year follow-up].
OBJECTIVE
Evaluation of the first excimer laser treatments of myopia.


METHODS
Descriptive.


METHODS
Excimer Laser Centrum, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.


METHODS
312 patients underwent spherical excimer laser treatment to correct myopia of 1.2 up to 10 diopters between February 1992 and October 1993. 245 patients completed a follow-up of one year or more; 36 retreatments were carried out. Group I (treatment 1.2 to 6 D) numbered 174 patients, group II (6.1-10 D) 71 patients.


RESULTS
After a follow-up period of one year or just before retreatment 79% of group I and 48% of group II achieved a refractive correction within 1 D of the attempted correction. Visual acuity without correction was 0.5 or more in 94% of group I and in 76% of group II. Less than one percent (n = 1) of group I and 6% (n = 4) of group II lost more than one line of best corrected visual acuity. Retreatment could correct 50% of those eyes that did not achieve a refraction within 1 D of attempted correction. Loss of visual acuity was corrected by retreatment in 5 of 6 cases of group I and in 7 of 11 cases of group II.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on a one-year follow-up, refractive surgery with the excimer laser appears to correct myopia between 1 and 10 D effectively. Predictability is diminishing on correcting higher amounts of refractive error. Thorough information of the patients regarding the results to be expected will prevent disappointment.
Eggink
C A
CA
Institut voor Oogheelkunde, Academisch Ziekenhuis, Nijmegen.
Deutman
A F
AF
Meurs
P J
PJ
Schilt
P D
PD
de Boo
T M
TM
Lemmens
W A
WA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000379:methods*; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D012086:Reoperation; D014792:Visual Acuity