Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy for the correction of myopia.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the results of laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) for spherical and spherocylindrical myopia.


METHODS
Indiana Eye Institute, South Bend, Indiana, USA.


METHODS
In a retrospective noncomparative single-surgeon interventional case series, outcomes in 222 consecutive eyes with myopia ranging from -1.25 to -11.25 diopters (D) and astigmatism up to +2.25 D treated with LASEK using a VISX Star S2 excimer laser were analyzed 4 days, 2 weeks, and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.


RESULTS
The uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 20/40 or better in 84% of eyes at 4 days and in 98% at 2 weeks. At 12 months, in 84 eyes, the UCVA was 20/15 in 16 eyes (19.0%), 20/20 in 53 (63.1%), and 20/25 in 15 (17.9%). There was no loss of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and no eye required retreatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy for myopia provided excellent refractive and visual results with no loss of BSCVA and no serious complications. Subjective results and other measures of visual function need further evaluation.
Claringbold
Thomas V
TV
MidMichigan Physicians Group, 400 Orchard Street, Clare, MI 48617, USA. eyeboy@tm.net
D000328:Adult; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity