title: Epi-LASEK for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze patient results after laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (epi-LASEK) for myopia and myopic astigmatism.
  
  
  METHODS
  Private practice setting, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three hundred forty-three eyes of 188 patients with myopia or myopic astigmatism were prospectively evaluated after having epi-LASEK by a single surgeon using the VISX Star S2 excimer laser. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), manifest refraction, postoperative pain, time to epithelial healing, and postoperative haze were recorded. The patients were followed for up to 6 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean preoperative sphere and cylinder were -5.42 diopters (D) +/- 2.62 (SD) (range -1.0 to -14.0 D) and 0.87 +/- 0.75 D (range 0 to 4.75 D), respectively. At 1 week, the mean UCVA was 20/30. At 6 months, it was 20/40 or better in 98% of patients. At 3 months, 78% and 92% of patients were within +/-0.5 D and +/-1.0 D, respectively, of the intended correction. This improved to 85% and 94%, respectively, at 6 months. The mean time to epithelial healing was 4.76 days (range 3 to 9 days). Most patients (87%) reported no postoperative pain. In the first 3 months, haze was noted in 1.6% of patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Epi-LASEK appeared to be a safe and effective treatment for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. Most patients achieved postoperative visual acuities comparable to those with laser in situ keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy. There was a low incidence of haze and pain postoperatively.
authors.affiliation: Minnesota Eye Consultants PA, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
authors.forename: Nicole J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Robin F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Beran
authors.forename: Timothy L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Schneider
mesh_terms: D001251:Astigmatism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D009216:Myopia / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014945:Wound Healing