Laser in situ keratomileusis outcomes following radial keratotomy, astigmatic keratotomy, photorefractive keratectomy, and penetrating keratoplasty

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) to enhance refractive status following other corneal surgical procedures.

Setting

Clinical office-based practice.

Methods

Seventy-one eyes of 57 patients had LASIK for refractive errors following radial keratotomy (n = 22), astigmatic keratotomy (n = 13), photorefractive keratectomy (n = 18), and penetrating keratoplasty (n = 18). A Moria LSK-1 microkeratome was used with a Visx S2 or Wavelight Allegretto excimer laser. Data were acquired by retrospective chart review of all appropriately qualified patients.

Results

The mean preoperative manifest refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE) was −3.93 diopters (D) ± 2.83 (SD) in myopic eyes and +1.43 ± 1.79 D in hyperopic eyes. The mean time from the initial corneal surgical procedure to LASIK was 65.0 months. The mean post-LASIK follow-up was 9.40 months (range 1 to 42 months). Postoperatively, the mean MRSE was −0.85 ± 1.42 D in myopic eyes (P<.0001) and −0.16 ± 1.09 D in hyperopic eyes (P<.0001). Enhancement by LASIK was required in 14% of eyes.

Conclusion

In eyes that have had a variety of previous corneal surgeries, LASIK offers a safe and predictable method for enhancing refractive results.