J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2002 Sep;43(9):1585-1590.

Comparison of Clinical Results Between Laser in Situ Keratomileusis and Laser Epithelial kerAtomileusis for Correction of Myopia over -6.00 Diopters

• Kim JK
• Lee HK
• Lee IS
• Kim KW

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare results of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) for the treatment of high myopia.
METHODS
In this study, 129 patients with a manifest refraction over -6.00 diopters were assigned two groups for 144 eyes of 72 patient treated with LASIK and 114 eyes of 57 patients treated with LASEK. Uncorrected visual acuity, manifest refraction, corneal haze and other complications were reviewed in LASIK- and LASEK-treated eyes at 6 months after the operation.
RESULTS
At the 6-month follow-up, there were significant between-eye differences in uncorrected visual acuity and mean spherical equivalent. And LASEK-treated eyes had more corneal opacity and it makes decreased uncorrected visual acuity.
CONCLUSIONS
Both laser refractive surgeries were safe and effective methods to treat eyes with high myopia. But LASIK procedure may prove superior to decrease corneal opacity and visual predictability.

Keyword

LASIK; LASEK; Predictability; Refractive surgery

MeSH Terms

Corneal Opacity
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Keratectomy, Subepithelial, Laser-Assisted
Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ*
Myopia*
Refractive Surgical Procedures
Visual Acuity