Laser in Situ Keratomileusis Versus Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis for Low to Moderate Myopia

Jun, Bo Young; Cho, Hee Tae

Abstract

PURPOSE
To compare the efficacy, predictability, safety, and stability of Laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) with conventional Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for correction of low to moderate myopia. METHODS: In this study, LASIK-treated 31 eyes of 17 patients and LASEK-treated 33 eyes of 17 patients were followed for 6 months. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), manifest refraction, IOP, topography, keratometry, pachymetry and specular examination were performed. RESULTS: Postoperative mean UCVA was logMAR 0.02+/-0.09 in LASIK group and logMAR 0.01+/-0.09 in LASEK group. Postoperative mean refraction was 0.04+/-0.36D in LASIK group and 0.07+/-0.28D in LASEK group and there was no significant difference between 2 groups (P>0.05). 71.0%(22 of 31) of LASIK eyes and 81.8%(27 of 33) of LASEK eyes had an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better at 6 months after surgery. 87.1%(27 of 31) of LASIK eyes and 97.0%(32 of 33) of LASEK eyes achieved predictability within +/-0.5D at 6 months follow up. There was no decrease in best-corrected visual acuity of two Snellen lines or more in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, there was no difference in postoperative mean UCVA and mean refraction in LASIK and LASEK group. However, LASEK group had better results in UCVA of more than 20/20 and predictability but there was no significant difference between 2 groups.