Laser epithelial keratomileusis: outcome of initial cases performed by an experienced surgeon.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate refractive outcome and objective clinical data, and determine efficacy, predictability, and safety of laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) for myopic treatments.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective non-comparative single-surgeon case series on the first 20 LASEK procedures (Alcon LADARVision 4000 laser). Mean patient age was 41.2 years (range 21 to 60 yr): 13 men and 7 women. Mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was -6.47+/-2.78 D. Corneal haze, uncorrected and spectacle-corrected visual acuity and manifest refraction were evaluated.


RESULTS
Of 20 eyes studied, 3 were corrected for monovision. In the non-monovision group, 20/40 or better visual acuity was achieved in 94% (16 eyes) at 1 month, 100% (13 eyes) at 3 months, and 91% (10 eyes) at 6 months after LASEK; 20/20 or better was achieved in 12% (2 eyes) at 1 month, 46% (6 eyes) at 3 months, and 45% (5 eyes) at 6 months. Corneal haze at 1 month was grade 0.5 in 35% (7 eyes), 1 in 20% (4 eyes) and 2 in 10% (2 eyes). At 3 months, 62% (12 eyes) had grade 0.5 and 31% (6 eyes) had grade 1. At 6 months, 58% (12 eyes) had grade 0.5, 25% (5 eyes) had grade 1, and 8% (2 eyes) had grade 2.


CONCLUSIONS
LASEK is a challenging procedure. Creating the epithelial flap is not simple and may have contributed to the high haze incidence in our study.
Chalita
Maria Regina
MR
Department of Ophthalmology, The Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.
Tekwani
Navin H
NH
Krueger
Ronald R
RR
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000193:education; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity