[LASIK for myopia correction. 2-year follow-up].
BACKGROUND
Long-term results on LASIK are not available to date. We therefore evaluated the predictability, stability and complication rate after LASIK in moderate--to-high myopia.


METHODS
We treated 70 eyes (41 patients) using the Automatic Corneal Shaper and the Keracor 116 excimer laser. Patients were followed for 1, 6, 12 and 24 months. Spectacle refraction, visual acuity, rate of retreatment, and patient satisfaction were evaluated.


RESULTS
At 24 months the results were as follows: Myopia -5 to -9.9 D (n = 18): 94% within 1 D; regression between 1 and 12 (12 and 24) months > 1 D in 6% (6%); uncorrected acuity 20/40 or better in 83%; no loss of 2 ore more lines of visual acuity; 89% highly satisfied. Myopia -10 to -14.9 D (n = 12): 88% within 1 D; regression between 1 and 12 (12 and 24) months > 1 D in 20% (0%); uncorrected acuity 20/40 or better in 72%; 4% lost 2 or more lines of visual acuity; 96% highly satisfied. Myopia -15 to -29 D (n = 22): 33% within 1 D; regression between 1 and 12 (12 and 24) months > 1 D in 41% (18%); uncorrected acuity 20/40 or better in 7%; no loss of 2 or more lines of visual acuity; 67% highly satisfied.


CONCLUSIONS
LASIK is an accurate, effective and stable procedure for correcting myopia of -5 to -10 D. Results are less precise in myopia up to -15 D, and some visual loss occurs in a number of patients. In myopia > -15 D, results are not satisfactory because of poor accuracy and low stability.
Knorz
M C
MC
Universitäts-Augenklinik Mannheim.
Jendritza
B
B
Liermann
A
A
Hugger
P
P
Liesenhoff
H
H
D000328:Adult; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000601:surgery*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D009216:Myopia / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity