Laser in situ keratomileusis to correct residual myopia and astigmatism after radial keratotomy

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in selected post-radial-keratotomy (RK) eyes with residual myopia and astigmatism.

TLC-The Brea Laser Eye Center, Brea, California, USA.

Nine eyes of 6 patients who had had RK but had residual myopia and/or astigmatism had LASIK. All RK eyes had 8 radial incisions, were more than 1 year post-RK, had no epithelial inclusion cysts or corneal disease, and had had no subsequent ocular surgery. Follow-up was a minimum of 13 months, at which time uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), manifest refraction, cycloplegic refraction, keratometry, central and peripheral pachymetries, intraocular pressure, and a subjective assessment of visual function were obtained.

At the last follow-up, the mean spherical equivalent (SE) was -0.156 diopter (D) +/- 0.174 (SD). All eyes treated for distance vision had a UCVA of 20/25 or better. No patient lost BCVA. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. Seven eyes had morning and evening measurements. The mean change in manifest SE from morning to evening was -0.143 D. Six of the 7 eyes (86%) had 0 to 1 Snellen line change in UCVA from morning to evening. The subjective questionnaire revealed a high degree of satisfaction with overall vision, minimal glare, and less fluctuation in daily vision than before LASIK.

Laser in situ keratomileusis is safe and efficacious for reducing residual myopia and astigmatism in properly selected RK patients.