Laser in situ Keratomileusis for Anisometropic Amblyopia

To evaluate the efficacy and benefit of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for correction of anisometropic amblyopia.

LASER was performed in 21 eyes of 21 anisometropic amblyopes with a mean age of 27.71 ± 12.24 years. Three patients were less than 18 years of age. LASIK was performed in the more myopic and amblyopic eye using the Chiron Automated Corneal Shaper microkeratome and the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser system.

Results of 3-month follow-up are presented. Preoperative mean manifest spherical equivalent refraction was -13.20 ± 3.84 D (range, -5.25 to -20.00 D). Mean attempted correction was -12.28 ± 3.47 D. Mean postoperative refraction at 3 months was -0.78 ± 1.63 D. Postoperative uncorrected visual acuity improved by 2 or more lines in all patients and was the same or better than preoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity in 95.2% of eyes. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved by 1 or more lines in 61.9% of eyes. The 12-year-old child had a gain of more than 4 lines of uncorrected visual acuity.

LASIK was a good alternative to contact lenses in adults for anisometropia and resulted in a gain of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. In children it may be an alternative method of treatment for amblyopia. [J Refract Surg 2000;16(suppl):S264-S267].