Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To evaluate the visual outcome of Laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) compared to Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in the correction of myopia. Methods:One hundred forty seven eyes among 77 patients were included in the study. Eighty six eyes had LASEK. The preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) –1.0D to –13.75D. Sixt one eyes had LASIK with preoperative SE –0.75D to 17.35D. Ablation was performed using Keracor 217Z (Bausch & Lomb). LASEK was carried out by Bowman ablation following mechanical lifting of the epithelial sheet after application of 20% Isopropyl alcohol. LASIK was performed with a 160 micrometer superior hinge flap using Hansatome. Patients were followed up for a minimum period of six months. Results: Seventy one (82.5%) out of 86 eyes in the LASEK group showed a postoperative SE of ±1.0D and 16 (19%) eyes had SE of ±0.50D. Fifty one (59%) eyes had postoperative UCVA of 20/20 or better, and 71 (82.5%) eyes had UCVA better than 20/30. Mild haze was observed in two (2.3%) eyes in the LASEK treatment group. Severe pain was reported by 19% of the patients on the first postoperative day. Postoperative corneal sensation and contrast sensitivity were not different from the preoperative findings. In the LASIK group, 56 (92%) eyes showed a postoperative SE of ±1.0D and 26 (43%) eyes were within a SE of ±0.50D. Forty one (67%) eyes had a postoperative UCVA of 20/20 or better, and 56 (92%) eyes had UCVA of 20/30 or better. There was no haze observed in the LASIK treatment group. There was no pain reported postoperatively. Postoperative corneal sensation and contrast sensitivity were less than the preoperative findings. Conclusions: There was no statistically significant difference in the postoperative UCVA between LASEK and LASIK. LASEK is safe and effective in the treatment of myopia. There was no significant cases of corneal haze, regression or postoperative complications. LASEK can be performed in patients with decreased corneal thickness where LASIK cannot be performed.
Keywords: refractive surgery: LASIK • refractive surgery • refractive surgery: comparative studies