Re-Evaluation of the Safety of Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy

Abstract

Purpose: Additional analyses of outcomes of laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) are still necessary to improve the safety of LASEK. Therefore, in our study, outcomes were assessed retrospectively in 561 eyes that underwent LASEK treatment. Methods: Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and residual spherical equivalent were analyzed at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. We assessed four subgroups based on the degree of preoperative myopia considering mean BSCVA and loss of two or more lines. Results: Mean UCVAs and BSCVAs were obtained at 3 and 6 months postoperatively (1.23/1.35 and 1.23/1.37, respectively). The mean predictability was within ±0.125 diopters. Conversely, the safety indexes were 0.94 and 0.96 respectively, and the efficacy indexes were 0.86 and 0.86 at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, respectively. 8.4% eyes and 5.2% eyes lost two or more lines of BSCVA at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, respectively. The mean BSCVAs of the high or ultra-high groups were significantly lower than those of the low or mild groups both 3 months and 6 months postoperatively. The incidence rates of losing two or more lines of BSCVA in the high or ultra-high myopia groups were significantly greater than in the low or mild groups at 3 months and 6 months postoperatively. Conclusion: LASEK predictably corrected myopia achieving >1.2 in UCVA and BSCVA. However, the safety and efficacy indexes were