Laser in situ keratomileusis versus lens-based surgery for correcting residual refractive error after cataract surgery

Purpose

To evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) versus lens-based surgery (intraocular lens [IOL] exchange or piggyback IOL) for correcting residual refractive error after cataract surgery.

Setting

Private eye center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

Methods

This retrospective study included 57 eyes of 48 patients who had LASIK (28 eyes) or lens-based correction (29 eyes) for residual refractive error after cataract surgery. The visual and refractive outcomes were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 20 to 24 months.

Results

In the LASIK group, the mean spherical equivalent (SE) was reduced from −1.62 ± 0.80 diopters (D) preoperatively to +0.05 ± 0.38 D postoperatively in myopic eyes and from +0.51 ± 1.25 D to +0.19 ± 0.35 D in hyperopic eyes. Ninety-two percent of eyes were within ±0.50 D of intended correction. In the lens group, the mean SE was reduced from −3.55 ± 2.69 D preoperatively to −0.20 ± 0.50 D postoperatively in myopic eyes and from +2.07 ± 2.38 D to +0.07 ± 0.85 D in hyperopic eyes. Eighty-one percent of eyes had postoperative SE within ±0.50 D of the intended correction. The UCVA improved significantly in both groups. No eye lost more than 1 line of BSCVA. With a similar length of follow-up, no significant difference in postoperative SE was found between the 2 groups (P = .453).

Conclusions

The results showed efficacy, safety, predictability, and merits of LASIK and lens-based approaches for correcting different types of residual refractive error after cataract surgery.