Laser in situ keratomileusis after photorefractive keratectomy for myopic regression

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the efficacy and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for regression after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).Setting: Eye Research Center, Istanbul University; Istanbul, Turkey.Methods: Laser in situ keratomileusis to treat residual myopia ranging from, 1.50 to 12.50 diopters (D)(mean 5,96 D ± 3.06 [SD]) was performed in 45 eyes of 25 patients. Cylindrical corrections were done in 7 eyes (15.6%) and spherical ablations, in 38 (84.40. The mean interval between primary PRK and LASk retreatment was 18.50 ± 8.12 months. The procedure was performed under a hinged corneal flap using the Chiron Automated Corneal Shaper and Chiron Keracor 116 excimer laser.Results: Six months after LASIK retreatment, mean spherical equivalent refraction was -0.67 ± 0.77 D. Thirty-six eyes (80%) were within ± 1.00 D of emmetropia. Uncorrected visual acuity was 20/40 or more in 31 eyes (68.9%), 2 eyes (4%) lost 2 lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. There was no statistically significant difference in corneal haze before and after LASIK.Conclusion: Laser in situ keratomileusis was safe and effective for treating residual myopia after excimer laser PRK.