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

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.