Outcomes of laser in situ keratomileusis in a Refractive Surgery fellowship program.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to document the learning curve and evaluate the success of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) performed by fellows in a Cornea/External Disease and Refractive fellowship program.


METHODS
Two surgeons performed LASIK within a fellowship training program between July 2000 and August 2001. A retrospective review was conducted to determine the visual outcomes and operative complications from this non-comparative case series of 755 consecutive eyes. All LASIK procedures were performed using a Bausch & Lomb Technolas 217A laser and the Bausch & Lomb Hansatome or the Automated Corneal Shaper microkeratome. All eyes were evaluated for operative complications. Visual acuity was reported with a minimum of 1 month follow-up.


RESULTS
Data analysis revealed that uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better was attained in 99.4% of treated eyes, and 20/20 or better in 77.2%. With both eyes open, 100% of patients saw 20/30 or better, 94% saw 20/20 or better, 70% saw 20/15 or better, and 5.5% saw 20/10. Flap related complications occurred in 7 of 755 eyes (0.9%) and all were successfully treated. Forty-two eyes (5.6%) were lost to follow-up prior to the 1-month examination and were excluded from analysis of visual acuity.


CONCLUSIONS
Favorable operative and visual acuity 1-month results in 755 eyes after LASIK with the Bausch & Lomb Technolas 217A laser were in part due to a well organized system of education, patient examination, execution of surgery, and postoperative care. A team approach was essential.
Bowers
Patrick J
PJ
University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga Unit, Chattanooga, TN, USA.
Zeldes
Steven S
SS
Price
Marianne O
MO
McManis
Craig L
CL
Price
Francis W
FW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000193:education*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D054140:Refractive Surgical Procedures; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity