[Complications of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)]

The incidence and course of intraoperative and postoperative complications of LASIK were investigated.

We consecutively treated 598 eyes (316 patients) using the Automatic Corneal Shaper and the Keracor 117 C excimer laser. One hundred and sixty-three eyes were also available at 12 months. The preoperative spherical equivalent was -5.31 +/- 5.49 D (+9 to -23 D). We evaluated intra- and postoperative complications.

Intraoperative complications of keratotomy were observed in 1.3% (irregular cut, n = 5; free cap, n = 2; incomplete cap, n = 1), and other intraoperative complications in 1.7% (epithelial defects, n = 7; flap dislocation, n = 1; lateral kanthotomy required, n = 2). None of these complications caused any long-term effects or loss of two or more lines of visual acuity. Postoperative complications were observed in 0.9% (peripheral epithelial ingrowth, n = 4; keratectasia, n = 1; subretinal neovascularisation, n = 1).

The rate of complications in LASIK is low, and intraoperative complications did not cause any significant loss of vision. We observed keratectasia in one eye, which suggests that deep ablations should be avoided, which limits the amount of correction possible.