title: Laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia of -1 to -3.50 diopters.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is the procedure of choice for high myopia. We present a study of 85 eyes undergoing LASIK for myopia between -1.00 and -3.50 diopters (D) and assess the safety and efficacy of the procedure for treatment of low myopia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty-five eyes of 47 patients with a mean age of 29 years, (range, 18 to 56 yrs) underwent LASIK using the Chiron microkeratome and the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser. Mean preoperative myopia was -2.09 D and mean astigmatism was 0.86 D. All other ocular pathology was ruled out before surgery. Mean follow-up was 48 days (range, 1 day to 13 mo).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Uncorrected visual acuity of 6/9 or better at 1 week was achieved in 44 eyes (52%); at 1 month in 68 eyes (80%); and at 6 months in 70 eyes (93%). Pain score was minimal with the majority of patients having no postoperative pain. One eye suffered a serious postoperative complication of corneal abscess which resolved with treatment, but left a corneal scar and visual acuity of 6/60.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LASIK is a safe and effective procedure for low amounts of myopia; it also provides early visual rehabilitation and markedly reduced pain and discomfort to patients undergoing refractive surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Almana General Hospital, Alkhobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Pirzada
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kalaawry
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology