The Martines enhancement technique for correcting residual myopia following laser assisted in situ keratomileusis.
OBJECTIVE
Laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is highly effective for correcting moderate to severe levels of myopia with rapid visual recovery, minimal pain and easier post-operative management compared with Photorefractive keratectomy. Nevertheless, undercorrection may occur. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate 14 undercorrected LASIK cases in which the cap was dissected and the stromal bed re-ablated using a method developed by one of the authors (EM).


METHODS
Among a series of 297 LASIK procedures, visual and refractive results of 14 cases undergoing enhancement were evaluated. All cases were targeted for plano refraction.


RESULTS
All 14 cases were followed at least 6 months and 7 (50%) have been followed two years. Mean pre-LASIK myopia of -14.60 +/- 4.90 D had been reduced to a mean of -4.50 +/- 2.60 D prior to enhancement. Following enhancement mean spherical equivalent was -0.22 D at 6 months. Results were stable at two years. All cases were within 1.25 D of target and 11 of 14 were within one diopter. Uncorrected vision was improved in all cases. Best corrected vision was maintained or improved in all but one case. This case had a decentered ablation.


CONCLUSIONS
Laser enhancement of undercorrected LASIK cases using the Martines Technique was predictable and efficacious.
Martines
E
E
Instituto de Oftalmologia, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
John
M E
ME
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005139:Eyeglasses; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods; D009216:Myopia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000379:methods; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D012086:Reoperation; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods; D014792:Visual Acuity