Bilateral simultaneous laser in situ keratomileusis with the Aesculap Meditec MEL 60 laser.
OBJECTIVE
To report the outcome of bilateral simultaneous excimer laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with the Aesculap Meditec MEL 60 laser for the correction of myopia and hyperopia.


METHODS
This retrospective study included 338 eyes of 169 patients who had bilateral simultaneous LASIK performed by one surgeon (D.L.V.).


RESULTS
Postoperatively, 20/20 or better visual acuity was achieved by 78.5% (186 eyes) in the <-6.00-D group, and 55.6% (54 eyes) in the > or = -6.00-D group. Postoperatively, the mean spherical equivalent refraction was within +/- 0.50 D for 78% (185 eyes) in the <-6.00-D group (range, -2.25 to +1.25 D), 55% (53 eyes) in the > or = -6.00-D group (range, -2.38 to +1.13 D), and one eye in the hyperopic group. Complications at 3 months included regression in five eyes (1.4%), infiltrates in six eyes (1.7%), primary undercorrection in two eyes (0.6%), superficial punctate keratitis in four eyes (1.1%), ten eyes (2.9%) underwent enhancement, two eyes (0.6%) underwent refractive lensectomy, and four eyes (1.1%) underwent astigmatic keratotomy 3 months postoperatively. Two eyes lost two lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity.


CONCLUSIONS
Bilateral simultaneous LASIK with the Aesculap Meditec MEL 60 laser was effective and predictable. It was more economical and convenient for the patient than unilateral LASIK and binocular visual rehabilitation was rapidly restored. No sight threatening complications occurred in this group of patients.
Sun
Xiao-Yi
XY
Pacific Eye Center, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. xiao_sun@health.qld.gov.au
Vicary
Diane L
DL
Montgomery
Peter
P
Page
Gary
G
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006956:Hyperopia / Q000601:surgery*; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity