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Laser epithelial keratomileusis for myopia with the autonomous laser
Rajy M Rouweyha1, Alice Z Chuang, Shrabanee Mitra
1University of Texas Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Hermann Eye Center, Houston 77030, USA. rajyr@juno.com
Summary
Laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) shows promising results for myopia correction, offering a safe and effective alternative to LASIK. Most patients achieved significant visual acuity improvements and refractive stability within six months post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Refractive Surgery
- Corneal Surgery
Background:
- Laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) is a refractive surgical procedure.
- Myopia and astigmatism are common refractive errors.
- Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) are established refractive procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the refractive outcomes, clinical data, and patient experiences following LASEK surgery.
- To assess visual acuity, refractive stability, and corneal haze at 1, 3, and 6 months post-LASEK.
- To compare LASEK outcomes with LASIK in a retrospective study.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, nonrandomized comparative study of 58 LASEK-treated eyes with myopia (-1.50 to -14.75 D).
- Refractive surgery performed using the Alcon Summit Autonomous LADAR Vision excimer laser.
- Evaluated manifest refraction, visual acuity (uncorrected and best-spectacle corrected), refractive stability, and corneal haze.
Main Results:
- At 6 months, 97% of eyes achieved 20/40 or better uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), with 73% achieving 20/20.
- 68% of eyes were within +/- 0.50 D of emmetropia at 6 months.
- Two patients (four eyes) developed visually significant corneal haze; no eyes lost best-corrected visual acuity.
Conclusions:
- LASEK appears to be a safe, effective, and comparable alternative to LASIK for myopia correction, including higher degrees of myopia.
- Further prospective, randomized clinical trials are recommended to define LASEK's role compared to LASIK and PRK.