Laser in situ keratomileusis versus laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy for the correction of high myopia

Kim, Jin Kook; Kim, Sung Soo; Lee, Hyung Keun; Lee, In Sik; Seong, Gong Je; Kim, Eung Kweon; Han, Sueng Han

doi:10.1016/j.jcrs.2003.12.053

« Previous Next »Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery
Volume 30, Issue 7 , Pages 1405-1411, July 2004

Laser in situ keratomileusis versus laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy for the correction of high myopia☆☆☆

Jin Kook Kim, MD
- From Balgensesang Ophthalmology Clinic, Seoul, South Korea
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
- BK 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
Sung Soo Kim, MD
- From Balgensesang Ophthalmology Clinic, Seoul, South Korea
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
- BK 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
Hyung Keun Lee, MD
- Reprint requests to Hyung Keun Lee, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Yong-Dong Severance Hospital, 146-92 Dogok-dong, Kangnam-Gu, Seoul 135-720, South Korea.
- From Balgensesang Ophthalmology Clinic, Seoul, South Korea
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
In Sik Lee, MD
- From Balgensesang Ophthalmology Clinic, Seoul, South Korea
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
Gong Je Seong, MD
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
Eung Kweon Kim, MD
- From Balgensesang Ophthalmology Clinic, Seoul, South Korea
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
- BK 21 Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
Sueng Han Han, MD
- Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea

Accepted 5 December 2003.

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the visual and refractive outcomes of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) in the treatment of high myopia.

Setting: Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, and Balgeunsesang Ophthalmology Clinic, Seoul, South Korea.

Methods: Four hundred seventy eyes of 240 patients with manifest refraction spherical components greater than –6.00 diopters (D) were assigned to 2 groups: 324 eyes (167 patients) were treated with LASIK and 146 eyes (73 patients), with LASEK. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), remaining refractive error, corneal haze, and complications were followed in both groups for 12 months.

Results: At 12 months, the mean spherical equivalent (SE) was within ±0.50 D of emmetropia in 205 eyes (63.3%) in the LASIK group and 81 eyes (55.5%) in the LASEK group and within ±1.00 D in 261 eyes (80.6%) and 104 eyes (71.2%), respectively. The UCVA was 20/25 or better in 269 LASIK eyes (83.0%) and 111 LASEK eyes (76.0%). There was more than a 1-line loss of BSCVA in 4 LASIK eyes (1.2%) and 21 LASEK eyes (14.3%). The between-group differences in SE, magnitude of cylinder, UCVA, and haze were statistically significant (P<.05).

Conclusions: Both LASIK and LASEK were safe and effectively treated eyes with high myopia. Laser in situ keratomileusis provided superior results in visual predictability and corneal opacity.