[Results of myopic keratomileusis. A retrospective clinical study apropos of 40 cases]

The authors report in a retrospective study, the results of myopic keratomileusis. 40 eyes were operated on at the department of ophthalmology of Hotel-Dieu Hospital in Paris, with a range follow-up of 6 to 24 months. The mean pre-operative spherical equivalent was - 15.08 +/- 3.32 D., and the mean post-operative spherical equivalent was - 5.02 +/- 3.75 D. relative to preoperative conditions, best corrected visual acuity were unchanged in 6 cases, improved in 16 cases and diminished in 18 cases. The predictability of results was better for patients with myopia in the range of - 9 to - 16 D. During the first post-operative year, a mean regressive tendency of 3 diopters was noted. Complications are reported and analysed. Myopic keratomileusis is indicated for myopia between - 10 and - 16 D., when correction by contact lenses has failed. Candidates for surgery must be informed and consent about possibilities, limits and risks of the procedure.