[Comparison of two techniques: photorefractive keratectomy versus laser in situ keratomileusis for low myopia]

To determine the efficacy, safety and stability of these techniques and some factors affecting refractive and visual outcomes in treated patients. 236 LASIK-treated eyes [122 patients] and 218 PRK-treated eyes [112 patients] with myopia and myopic-astigmatism between 1.25 and -4 diopters [D] underwent refractive surgery over an 11 month period by a single surgeon. Patients were compared between and within groups retrospectively. Refractive surgery was performed with the flying spot Technolas excimer laser. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation included uncorrected visual acuity [UCVA], best corrected visual acuity [BCVA], and cycloplegic refraction. Patients were between 18-47 years of age and female outnumbered males by a factor of two. There was no significant difference in the baseline refractive and visual values. In final examination 94.7% of LASIK cases and 93.3% of PRK cases had uncorrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better. Refractions within +/- 0.5 D represented 91.1% of LASIK eyes and 90.6% of PRK eyes over 3 years of follow up, indicating slightly better results in LASIK-treated eyes but the difference between two groups was not statistically significant [P>0.05 for all comparison]. PRK and LASIK are found to be similarly effective and predictive of correction myopia. In eyes with mild myopia, there was little insignificant difference in refractive and visual outcomes between flap-based and PRK-based procedure