[A preliminary report of microlamellar keratectomy for correction of high myopia]

To evaluate the preliminary results of high myopia corrected by microlamellar keratectomy (MLK).

73 eyes of 43 patients with high myopia were treated by MLK. The preoperative refraction ranged from -7.00 to -32.00 D (mean -18.45 +/- 6.18 D). All the operations were performed with a special apparatus made in America for MLK.

At 6 months after surgery, in the 73 eyes with complete data, all the uncorrected visual acuity and corrected visual acuity were betterthan or equal to their preoperative ones respectively. Uncorrected visual acuity was better than or equal to the preoperative corrected visual acuity in 51 eyes (71.83%). The correction of refraction in 63 eyes (86.30%) was within +/- 4.00 D of the intended correction. No severe complications occurred during and after operation. The postoperative status of refraction was stable.

MLK is effective in high myopia treatment and has some special advantages compared with radial keratotomy, photorefractive keratectomy, automated lamellar keratoplasty and excimer laser in situ keratomileusis. But the procedure is influenced by several factors, and the predictability of this procedure is merely fair. The authors suggest that this kind of procedure be done with excellent microsurgery equipment, microsurgical skills and much more clinical experiences in managing corneal disorders.