Results of resident-performed laser in situ keratomileusis

To analyze the results of resident-performed laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

Rush University Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

This retrospective study comprised 44 consecutive eyes of 22 patients who had LASIK performed from August 2000 through February 2002. Based on preoperative spherical equivalent, the eyes were divided into a low myopia group (A) (-1.0 to -6.0 diopter [D]) and a higher myopia group (B) (> -6.01 D). Preoperative and postoperative spherical equivalent (SE), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) were measured and analyzed within each group. Patients had at least 2 follow-up visits, with the second visit occurring between 1 and 9 months postoperatively.

Preoperatively, the mean SE in Group A was -3.93 D +/- 1.53 (SD) and in Group B, -8.49 +/- 1.70 D. At the final visit, the SE in Group A decreased to -0.29 +/- 0.55 D and in Group B, -1.09 +/- 0.87 D. The UCVA in Group A at the final visit was 20/20 or better in 43% of eyes and 20/40 or better in 100% of eyes. In Group B, the UCVA was 20/20 or better in 31% of eyes and 20/40 or better in 75% of eyes. In all eyes, the BCVA improved by 1 line in 16% or remained the same in 84%. No eyes lost any lines of BCVA. The SE taken at the last visit was within +/-0.5 D in 69% of all eyes and within +/-1.0 D in 82% of all eyes. The incidence of patients needing retreatment in resident-performed LASIK surgery was 3 of 44 (6.8%).

Laser in situ keratomileusis performed by residents is a safe and effective procedure for correction of refractive error. Postoperative UCVA, refractive error, retreatment rate, and loss of BCVA were consistent with published results from nonresident surgeons. These results also exceeded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requirements for LASIK surgery.