Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy retreatment surgery.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Refractive Surgery
• Corneal Surgery

Background:

• Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) is a refractive surgical procedure.
• Residual refractive errors may necessitate retreatment after initial LASEK surgery.
• The use of Mitomycin-C (MMC) in LASEK procedures is a consideration for outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) retreatment.
• To assess predictability, safety, efficacy, and stability of LASEK retreatment following prior LASEK.
• To determine outcomes without the use of Mitomycin-C (MMC) in retreatment.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of 16 patients (23 eyes) undergoing LASEK retreatment.
• Wavefront-guided treatments performed using the Visx S4 Star excimer laser.
• Mitomycin-C (MMC) was not utilized in primary or retreatment procedures.

Main Results:

• Mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) of -3.61 D improved to +0.02 D six months post-retreatment.
• All eyes achieved uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 6/6 or better.
• No eyes lost lines of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) or developed significant corneal haze.

Conclusions:

• LASEK retreatment following prior LASEK, without MMC, yields favorable predictability, safety, efficacy, and stability.
• The procedure effectively corrects residual refractive errors with good visual outcomes.
• This approach offers a viable option for patients needing repeat LASEK surgery.