[LASEK for the correction of residual myopia and astigmatism after LASIK]

To determine the visual and refractive outcome of LASEK for the correction of residual myopia and astigmatism after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

In this prospective study of noncomparative case series, LASEK was performed with minimum of 6 months in 66 eyes (34 patients) that developed myopic regression after LASIK. Mean follow-up was 13.2 months after laser ablation (12 to 18 months). The postoperative symptom, epithelial flap, wavefront aberration, and haze formation were investigated.

Postoperative results revealed a reduction in the residual myopia and astigmatism. Higher order aberration was increased postoperatively. No eye lost best corrected Snellen visual acuity. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred.

LASEK performed in eyes with myopic regression after LASIK result in an improvement in uncorrected visual acuity.