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Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy in children
William F Astle1, Peter T Huang, April D Ingram
1Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary Division of Ophthalmology, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
|December 25, 2004
Summary
Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) effectively corrects myopia in children, offering a promising alternative with less corneal haze than PRK. This treatment improves vision and daily function for complex cases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Refractive Surgery
- Pediatric Eye Care
Background:
- Myopic anisometropic amblyopia and high myopia in children often require advanced treatment options.
- Traditional methods may be insufficient for severe cases, necessitating alternative surgical approaches.
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a standard treatment, but corneal haze can be a limiting factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) for correcting myopia in children.
- To compare the incidence of post-treatment corneal haze between LASEK and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).
- To evaluate LASEK in children with treatment-resistant myopic anisometropic amblyopia and high myopia.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 36 eyes of 25 pediatric patients.
- Patients included those with myopic anisometropic amblyopia, bilateral high myopia, and post-keratoplasty myopia.
- All eyes underwent LASEK using the Visx 20/20 B excimer laser under general anesthesia.
Main Results:
- Mean spherical equivalent (SE) improved from -8.03 D to -1.19 D at 1 year post-treatment.
- Forty-four percent of eyes achieved targeted correction within +/-1.0 D; 78% exhibited clear corneas with no haze.
- Mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 20/80 to 20/50, with positive functional vision outcomes.
Conclusions:
- LASEK provides effective long-term correction for high myopia and myopic anisometropic amblyopia in children.
- LASEK demonstrates a lower incidence of post-laser haze compared to standard PRK.
- This suggests LASEK may be an advantageous refractive surgery option for complex pediatric eye conditions.