Analysis of the safety and effectiveness of using LASIK surgery for corrective treatment after radial keratotomy surgery

Abstract

Objective To investigate the safety and effectiveness of using laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the treatment of refractive deterioration after radial keratotomy (RK) surgery.Methods Fifteen patients (28 eyes) in this retrospective study underwent repeat LASIK surgery after they had undergone RK surgery about ten years earlier.The vision of these patients had worsened so they wanted to acquire good vision through repeat LASIK surgery.The Nidek EC-5000 laser treatment system was used for the surgery.Patients were followed up for more than 6 years to monitor the changes in pre- and postoperative visual acuity, complications, corneal prosthetic condition, etc.Results During the 6-year follow-up period, uncorrected visual acuity was better than or equal to preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in 26 eyes (93％),but near visual acuity was worse in 25 eyes (89％).Two eyes had low astigmatism (-0.50～-0.75 D) so these patients did not achieve preoperative BCVA.The corneal flap edge healed slowly in 10 eyes and the corneal flap edge had opaque-like lines in 2 eyes.Dry eye was a complication for about 98％ of the patients so eye drops had to be used for a long term.Conclusion LASIK surgery for the treatment of patients with deteriorated vision or low astigmatism after RK surgery is a safe and effective refractive surgery.Patients were satisfied with the treatment but must be informed that they need to be followed up for a long time. Key words: Keratomileusis,laser in situ; Keratotomy,radial; Treatment outcome