Laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia from -5.50 to -11.50 diopters with astigmatism

To determine the efficacy, predictability, safety, and short-term stability of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in treating patients with high myopia and astigmatism.

We retrospectively studied the results of our initial 119 eyes with myopia ranging from -5.50 to -11.50 D and astigmatism less than 4.00 D that underwent LASIK with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser. Follow-up was at 1 day, 1 month, and 3 to 6 months; follow-up was 71% (84 eyes) at the 3 to 6 month visit (average 4.5 months).

Of the 84 eyes with 3 to 6 months of follow-up, mean baseline spherical equivalent refraction was -8.62 +/- 1.27 D and mean cylinder was -1.84 +/- 1.02 D. Mean postoperative spherical equivalent refraction at the last examination was -0.61 +/- 0.84 D and mean cylinder was -0.39 +/- 0.38 D, with 83% (70 eyes) achieving a spherical equivalent refraction within +/-1.00 D of emmetropia, and 56% (47 eyes) within +/-0.50 D. Mean regression of spherical equivalent from 1 day to 1 month was less than -0.50 D and refractions were stable between 1 month and 3 to 6 months. An uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better was noted in 84% (71 eyes) of these eyes on day 1 after surgery, in 75% (63 eyes) at 1 month, and in 77% (65 eyes) at 3 to 6 months. Twenty-two percent (18 eyes) of these eyes achieved 20/20 or better uncorrected visual acuity at 3 to 6 months; only 17% (14 eyes) had 20/20 or better spectacle-corrected visual acuity before surgery. One patient lost two or more lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity at the last examination due to epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.

LASIK with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser appears to be an effective and safe means for treating patients with high myopia and astigmatism. Studies with longer follow-up will help evaluate the long-term stability of the procedure and the possibility of late complications.