Laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia and myopic astigmatism.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the precision and safety of myopia and astigmatism correction using laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).


METHODS
Augenchirurgie und Laserzentrum Hoch-Rum (Sanatorium der Kreuzsch-western), Innsbruck, Austria.


METHODS
In this prospective study, LASIK was performed on 66 eyes of 39 patients with myopia ranging from 1.50 to 16.00 diopters (D). Astigmatism, ranging from -0.00 to -3.00 D, was treated simultaneously. Surgery was performed with the Chiron Keracor 117 excimer laser and the Chiron Automated Corneal Shaper microkeratome. During the 6 month follow-up, manifest refraction as well as best corrected and uncorrected visual acuities were measured; corneal topographies were produced and slitlamp biomicroscopy was performed. Changes in visual acuity and corneal topography were evaluated.


RESULTS
After 6 months, mean myopia had decreased from 6.78 D +/- 3.48 (SD) to 0.40 +/- 0.98 D. Fifty-one of 63 eyes (81.0%) were within +/- 1.00 D of spherical emmetropia and 61 of 63 (96.8%) within +/- 1.00 D of cylindrical emmetropia. Uncorrected visual acuity improved in all eyes; it was 20/40 or better in 82.5% 6 months postoperatively. Best corrected visual acuity did not change in most eyes; 9.5% lost two or more Snellen lines. No central islands or corneal scars were detected postoperatively. Haze was noted in only 6 eyes (9.1%); it was transient and less than grade 1. No sight-threatening complications occurred intraoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Laser in situ keratomileusis was an exact and predictable procedure for correcting low, moderate, and high myopia and myopic astigmatism.
Salchow
D J
DJ
Zirm
M E
ME
Stieldorf
C
C
Parisi
A
A
D000328:Adult; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000601:surgery*; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity