J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2007 Sep;48(9):1196-1201.

Comparison of Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis Versus Epipolis-Laser in Situ Keratomileusis for Moderate to High Myopia

• Choi SK
• Park HY
• Kim YH
• Chung SK

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical visual results and complications of laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) and epipolis laser in situ keratomileusis (Epi-LASIK).
METHODS
A retrospective analysis of a case series of eyes treated with LASEK or Epi-LASIK with a follow-up of six months was performed. Twenty-two eyes were treated with LASEK, and 20 eyes were treated using Epi-LASIK. The main outcome measures were uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and manifest refraction at one week, one month, three months, and six months after refractive surgery, and the presence of any complications.
RESULTS
There was no significant difference of UCVA and mean postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) between the eyes treated with LASEK or Epi-LASIK at one week, three months, and six months. However at one month there was significant difference of UCVA. Additionally, in a comparison between moderate and serve myopia, there was no significant difference of UCVA and mean postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) between groups treated with LASEK or Epi-LASIK at one week, one month, three months, and six months. Seven eyes treated with LASEK and two eyes treated with Epi-LASIK showed persistent epithelial erosion less than one week. Two eyes treated with LASEK exhibited newly-developed corneal opacity, which persisted-through the last visit.
CONCLUSIONS
Epi-LASIK showed clinical visual results and complications comparable to LASEK and showed better epithelial healing.

Keyword

Epi-LASIK; LASEK; Postoperative spherical equivalent

MeSH Terms

Corneal Opacity
Follow-Up Studies
Keratectomy, Subepithelial, Laser-Assisted
Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ
Myopia*
Outcome Assessment (Health Care)
Refractive Surgical Procedures
Retrospective Studies
Visual Acuity

Reference

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