Contrast sensitivity after LASIK, LASEK, and wavefront-guided LASEK with the VISX S4 laser.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the changes in contrast sensitivity and glare after corneal refractive surgery for moderate myopia.


METHODS
The study comprised 267 eyes of 149 patients who underwent LASIK, laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK), or wavefront-guided LASEK with the VISX STAR S4. Contrast sensitivity was measured with VCTS 6500 before surgery and at 2 and 6 months postoperatively. Glare was evaluated using questionnaires and the ALC glare test at last follow-up. Contrast sensitivity at 2 and 6 months was compared with preoperative contrast sensitivity in each group. Glare sensitivity in each group was compared to normal controls.


RESULTS
Contrast sensitivity did not change after LASIK (P > .05). Contrast sensitivity of 3 and 6 cycles per degree (cpd) at 2 months increased after LASEK (P < .05) and contrast sensitivity of 6, 12, and 18 cpd at 2 months and 3, 6, 12, and 18 cpd at 6 months improved in wavefront-guided LASEK (P < .05). Glare test and questionnaires did not show any significant difference between the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Wavefront-guided LASEK induced significant increases in contrast sensitivity of moderate myopes at high spatial frequencies under mesopic conditions by 6 months. Glare was not affected by the different refractive procedures.
Kim
Tae Wan
TW
Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul Artificial Eye Center, Seoul National University Hospital Clinical Research Institute, Korea.
Wee
Won Ryang
WR
Lee
Jin Hak
JH
Kim
Mee Kum
MK
D000328:Adult; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity; D005260:Female; D019466:Glare; D006801:Humans; D049008:Keratectomy, Subepithelial, Laser-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D009216:Myopia / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity