Laser in situ keratomileusis vs. laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASIK vs. LASEK).

Abstract

To compare results of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) for the treatment of myopia. Two groups of fifteen patients (30 eyes) each were assigned to either the LASIK group or the LASEK group. LASIK procedure: A Hansatome microkeratome with the ring at 9.5 mm was used to create the corneal flap (depth, 160 microm). The myopic correction was then registered on the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser and the appropriate ablation performed. LASEK procedure: Twenty percent ethyl alcohol was placed within the corneal epithelial ring. An intact epithelial flap was retracted. The Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser was applied in a similar manner to the LASIK procedure. Patients from both groups were followed postoperatively for 6 months, measuring best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and corneal topographic meridians of 3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm. Comparing corneal topography, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity data, refractive results in the LASEK group were better than the LASIK group. Objective data show that with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser, the LASEK method of corneal splitting may prove superior to the LASIK method.