Laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia from -5.50 to -11.50 diopters with astigmatism.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy, predictability, safety, and short-term stability of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in treating patients with high myopia and astigmatism.


METHODS
We retrospectively studied the results of our initial 119 eyes with myopia ranging from -5.50 to -11.50 D and astigmatism less than 4.00 D that underwent LASIK with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser. Follow-up was at 1 day, 1 month, and 3 to 6 months; follow-up was 71% (84 eyes) at the 3 to 6 month visit (average 4.5 months).


RESULTS
Of the 84 eyes with 3 to 6 months of follow-up, mean baseline spherical equivalent refraction was -8.62 +/- 1.27 D and mean cylinder was -1.84 +/- 1.02 D. Mean postoperative spherical equivalent refraction at the last examination was -0.61 +/- 0.84 D and mean cylinder was -0.39 +/- 0.38 D, with 83% (70 eyes) achieving a spherical equivalent refraction within +/-1.00 D of emmetropia, and 56% (47 eyes) within +/-0.50 D. Mean regression of spherical equivalent from 1 day to 1 month was less than -0.50 D and refractions were stable between 1 month and 3 to 6 months. An uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better was noted in 84% (71 eyes) of these eyes on day 1 after surgery, in 75% (63 eyes) at 1 month, and in 77% (65 eyes) at 3 to 6 months. Twenty-two percent (18 eyes) of these eyes achieved 20/20 or better uncorrected visual acuity at 3 to 6 months; only 17% (14 eyes) had 20/20 or better spectacle-corrected visual acuity before surgery. One patient lost two or more lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity at the last examination due to epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.


CONCLUSIONS
LASIK with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser appears to be an effective and safe means for treating patients with high myopia and astigmatism. Studies with longer follow-up will help evaluate the long-term stability of the procedure and the possibility of late complications.
Zaldivar
R
R
Instituto Zaldivar, Mendoza, Argentina.
Davidorf
J M
JM
Oscherow
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity