Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy for the correction of myopia

Purpose: To evaluate the results of laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK for spherical and spherocylindrical myopia. Setting. Indiana Eye Institute, South Bend, Indiana, USA. Methods. In a retrospective noncomparative single-surgeon interventional case series, outcomes in 222 consecutive eyes with myopia ranging from -1.25 to -11.25 diopters (D) and astigmatism up to +2.25 D treated with LASEK using a VISX Star S2 examer laser were analyzed 4 days, 2 weeks, and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results. The uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 20/40 or better in 84% of eyes at 4 days and in 98% at 2 weeks. At 12 months, in 84 eyes, the UCVA was 20/15 in 16 eyes (19.0%), 20/20 in 53 (63.1%), and 20/25 in 15 (17.9%). There was no loss of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and no eye required retreatment. Conclusion: Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy for myopia provided excellent refractive and visual results with no loss of BSCVA and no serious complications. Subjective results and other measures of visual function need further evaluation. J Cataract Refract Surg 2002, 28:18-22 (C) 2002 ASCRS and ESCRS.