Comparison of Collamer toric implantable [corrected] contact lens implantation and wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis for high myopic astigmatism

PURPOSE: To compare the postoperative visual outcomes after implantation of a Collamer toric implantable contact lens (ICL) and after wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis in high myopic astigmatism. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Kitasato University, Kanagawa, Japan. METHODS: This study comprised 30 eyes (18 patients) having toric ICL implantation and 24 eyes (17 patients) having wavefront-guided LASIK (Technolas 217z) to correct high myopic astigmatism (manifest spherical equivalent [SE] or=1.0 D). The safety, efficacy, predictability, stability, and adverse events were assessed preoperatively and 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: At 6 months, the mean safety index was 1.28+/-0.25 (SD) in the ICL group and 1.01+/-0.16 in the LASIK group and the mean efficacy index, 0.87+/-0.15 and 0.83+/-0.23, respectively. All eyes in the ICL group and 71% of eyes in the LASIK group were within +/-1.00 D of the targeted SE correction at 6 months. The mean change in manifest refraction from 1 week to 6 months was -0.04+/-0.24 D in the ICL group and -0.60+/-0.49 D in the LASIK group. There were no significant complications in the ICL group; 2 eyes (8.3%) in the LASIK group required enhancement ablations. CONCLUSION: Toric ICL implantation was better than wavefront-guided LASIK in eyes with high myopic astigmatism in almost all measures of safety, efficacy, predictability, and stability, suggesting that toric ICL implantation may become a viable surgical option to treat high myopic astigmatism.     

Laser in situ keratomileusis for myopic astigmatism with the Nidek EC-5000 laser

PURPOSE: We studied the efficacy, predictability, and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for moderate to high simple and compound myopic astigmatism. METHODS: Ninety-two eyes of 46 consecutive patients who had LASIK for myopic astigmatism (64 eyes, astigmatism 3.00 to 9.00 D; myopia 0 to -20.00 D), or simple myopia (28 eyes, myopia -4.00 to -20.00 D; astigmatism 0 to 0.50 D) were retrospectively studied. Mean baseline spherical equivalent refraction (SE) in the myopia group was -8.11 +/- 3.94 D and in the astigmatism group, -8.55 +/- 4.49 D. All eyes underwent LASIK using the Nidek EC-5000 laser by the same surgeon. RESULTS: At 6 months after LASIK in the myopia group versus the astigmatism group, 24 eyes (85%) vs. 54 eyes (84%) were available for follow-up, 12 eyes (50%) vs. 13 eyes (24%) had uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/20, 19 eyes (79%) vs. 44 eyes (81%) had UCVA of 20/40, 8 eyes (33%) vs. 18 eyes (33%) had SE within +/- 0.50 D, 15 eyes (62%) vs. 39 eyes (72%) had SE within +/- 1.00 D, and mean SE was -1.22 +/- 1.17 D vs. -0.74 +/- 1.46 D. Mean astigmatism (vertexed to the corneal plane) in the astigmatism group was 2.77 D at 0 degrees before surgery and 0.32 D at 7 degrees at 6 months. None of the myopic eyes and three of the astigmatic eyes (5%) lost > or = 2 lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. CONCLUSION: LASIK with the Nidek EC-5000 laser for myopic astigmatism was reasonably effective, predictable, and safe. Astigmatism was under-corrected with the nomogram implemented in this study.     

Corneal wavefront-guided ablation with the Schwind ESIRIS laser for myopia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of corneal wavefront-guided LASIK for the treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism. METHODS: This study included 56 myopic virgin eyes of 28 patients with a mean spherical equivalent refraction of -4.40 +/- 1.83 diopters (D) (range: -1.25 to -9.75 D) and astigmatism < 2.50 D. The corneal wavefront aberrations were analyzed using a corneal topography system. The preoperative corneal wavefront aberration data obtained from the above analyses combined with manifest refraction were used to generate a customized ablation profile. The safety, efficacy, and predictability of the correction, contrast sensitivity, and corneal higher order wavefront aberrations were evaluated. RESULTS: At 1-year follow-up, the mean residual spherical equivalent refractive error was -0.15 +/- 0.3 D (range: 0 to -1.25 D) and mean cylinder was -0.54 +/- 0.34 D (range: 0 to -1.50 D). Ninety-five percent of eyes were in the residual refractive error range of +/- 0.50 D and uncorrected visual acuity improved by 1.00 D or better in 94% of eyes. The safety index and efficacy index were 1.13 and 0.92, respectively. After treatment, corneal higher order wavefront aberrations with a 6-mm pupil diameter increased significantly (paired sample t test, P < .01), and contrast sensitivity with glare had small reductions at high spatial frequencies. Changes in spherical-like aberration (R = 0.708, P < .001) and higher order wavefront aberration (R = 0.449, P = .001), except for coma-like aberration (P = .238), were positively correlated with the amount of achieved correction. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of clinical results showed that corneal wavefront-guided LASIK for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism was safe and effective. There was an increase in all higher order aberrations postoperatively.     

Wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis retreatment for consecutive hyperopia and compound hyperopic astigmatism

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy, predictability, and safety of wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using the Visx CustomVue excimer laser (Advanced Medical Optics) in eyes with consecutive hyperopia and compound hyperopic astigmatism after LASIK. SETTING: Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford, California, USA. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 19 eyes of 16 patients who had wavefront-guided LASIK for consecutive hyperopia and compound hyperopic astigmatism after initial LASIK surgery. Primary outcome variables, including uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), higher-order aberration (HOA) analysis, and spherical equivalence, were evaluated at 1 and 3 months. Nine eyes of 7 patients were available for all visits. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 51.7 years +/- 3.77 (SD) (range 44 to 55 years). The mean preoperative manifest refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE) was 0.99 +/- 0.32 diopters (D) (range 0.50 to 1.50 D) and the mean 3-month postoperative MRSE, -0.04 +/- 0.66 D (range -1.50 to 0.75 D). At 1 month, 57.9% of eyes had a UCVA of 20/20 or better and 78.9% of 20/25 or better; 84.2% were within +/-1.00 D of emmetropia. At 3 months, 66.7% of eyes had a UCVA of 20/20 or better and 88.9% of 20/25 or better; 88.9% were within +/-1.00 D of emmetropia. No eye lost 2 or more lines of BSCVA at 1 or 3 months. CONCLUSION: Wavefront-guided LASIK was an effective, predictable, and safe procedure for consecutive hyperopia and compound hyperopic astigmatism after LASIK.     

Wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis with the Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix system

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results of wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with the Zyoptix system. METHODS: Twelve patients (24 eyes) underwent wavefront-guided LASIK with the Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix system. Uncorrected and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity and manifest refraction were measured at postoperative day 1, week 1, and months 1 and 3. A subjective vision quality questionnaire evaluated light sensitivity, dryness, tearing, glare, halos, ghost images, and difficulties in night driving, preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Preoperatively, mean sphere was -3.70 +/- 2.33 D (range -0.50 to -8.00 D), mean cylinder was -0.90 +/- 0.98 D (range 0 to -3.00 D), and mean spherical equivalent refraction was -4.15 +/- 2.16 D (range -1.38 to -8.25 D). Three-month postoperative spherical equivalent refraction was within +/- 0.50 D of emmetropia in 17 eyes (70.8%) and within +/- 1.00 D in 22 eyes (91.7%). At 3 months postoperatively, no eyes lost any lines of BSCVA and eight eyes (33.3%) gained 2 lines. The ratio of postoperative BSCVA to preoperative BSCVA (safety) was 1.05 +/- 0.09 (range 1.00 to 1.20) at 1 month and 1.07 +/- 0.10 (range 1.00 to 1.29) at 3 months. The ratio of postoperative UCVA to preoperative BSCVA (efficacy) was 0.96 +/- 0.12 (range 0.80 to 1.20) at 1 month and 0.95 +/- 0.12 (range 0.8 to 1.2) at 3 months. The subjective vision quality questionnaire revealed less tearing, fewer halos, and less difficulty in night driving after wavefront-guided LASIK. Comparison of higher order optical aberrations before and after surgery was not done. CONCLUSIONS: Wavefront-guided LASIK with the Bausch & Lomb Zyoptix system was safe and effective in correcting low to moderate myopic refractive error.     

Laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia and compound myopic astigmatism using the Technolas 217 scanning-spot laser

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety, efficacy, predictability, and visual results of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using the Bausch & Lomb Technolas(R) 217 scanning-spot laser for the treatment of myopia and compound myopic astigmatism. SETTING: Stanford Eye Laser Center, Stanford, California, USA. METHODS: In a prospective study, 110 eyes of 58 patients with a mean spherical equivalent (SE) of -4.87 diopters (D) +/- 2.5 (SD) (range -1.0 to -11.4 D) had LASIK for myopia and compound myopic astigmatism using the Technolas 217 scanning-spot laser. The primary outcome variables included preoperative and postoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), achieved versus attempted correction, vector analysis of astigmatism, and complications. RESULTS: One hundred ten eyes were available for analysis at 3 months. The mean SE refraction was reduced 95% (mean -0.23 +/- 0.4 D), and astigmatism was reduced 70% (mean 0.28 +/- 0.3 D). One day postoperatively, 100% of eyes had a UCVA of 20/40 or better, 96% had 20/25 or better, 77% had 20/20 or better, and 39% had 20/15 or better. At the 3-month examination, 100% of eyes had a UCVA of 20/40 or better, 95% had 20/25 or better, 83% had 20/20 or better, and 48% had 20/15 or better. Ninety percent of eyes were within +/-0.5 D of emmetropia. No eye lost 2 or more lines of BSCVA. CONCLUSIONS: The Technolas 217 scanning-spot laser produced excellent postoperative UCVA and BSCVA. It was predictable, safe, and effective for the treatment of myopia and compound myopic astigmatism. Long-term follow-up is needed to assess the stability of the procedure.     

Large optical ablation zone using the VISX S2 smoothscan excimer laser

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of the new large-zone (6.5 mm) photoablation technology using the VISX S2 Smoothscan excimer laser. SETTING: University-based hospital, Stanford, California, USA. METHODS: Forty-two eyes of 21 patients with a mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) of-5.55 diopters (D)+/- 2.24 (SD) (range-2.13 to-10.75 D) had laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using the VISX Smoothscan S2 excimer laser for simple myopia or compound myopic astigmatism. A 6.5 mm optical zone was used in all eyes. Patients were prospectively followed 1 day and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: At 3 months, the mean SE was reduced 94% to-0. 31+/- 0.55 D. Ninety-one percent of eyes had an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better. Eighty-eight percent were within+/-1.00 D of attempted correction and 84%, within +/-0.50 D. Stability within+/-0.50 D occurred after the first postoperative month. Vector analysis of eyes that had toric ablations demonstrated a difference vector within+/-1.00 D in 100% of eyes. The mean angle of error was-0.04+/- 6.37 degrees. Visually significant steep central islands associated with loss of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was observed in 7.5% of eyes at 1 month. No eyes experienced significant glare or halos. CONCLUSIONS: The new large-zone (6.5 mm) photoablation technology with the VISX S2 Smoothscan resulted in effective reduction of simple myopia and compound myopic astigmatism. However, with the 6.5 mm zone, there may be an increased risk of developing symptomatic steep central islands in the early post-LASIK period compared with the standard 6.0 mm treatment zone.     

Visual outcomes after wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis with and without iris registration

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes of wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis in eyes in which iris registration was used (IR group) and eyes in which iris registration would not engage (no-IR group). SETTING: Shiley Eye Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA. METHODS: This retrospective analysis comprised 112 eyes of 64 patients who had wavefront-guided LASIK using the Visx CustomVue S4 IR platform (Advanced Medical Optics) for myopia or myopic astigmatism. The safety, efficacy, predictability, and need for enhancement at the 3-month follow-up were evaluated and compared between the IR group and the no-IR group. RESULTS: By 3 months postoperatively, all eyes in the IR group and 93% of eyes in the no-IR group had the same best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) as preoperatively or had gained 1 to 2 lines of BSCVA. No eye in either group lost more than 1 line of BSCVA (P = 0.12). Ninety-six percent of eyes in the IR group and 93% in the no-IR group were within +/-0.50 diopter (D) of the postoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent (P = 0.24), and all eyes were within +/-1.00 D of emmetropia. Four eyes in the IR group and 11 in the no-IR group required retreatment during the follow-up period (P = 0.1). CONCLUSION: The results in the IR group and the no-IR group were comparable, with no statistically significant differences in measured outcomes.     

Topographic centration of ablation after LASIK for myopia using the CustomVue VISX S4 excimer laser

PURPOSE: To determine the ablation centration, efficacy, predictability, and safety of CustomVue LASIK using the VISX S4 excimer laser for the treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism. METHODS: A retrospective review of 20 myopic eyes of 12 patients treated with LASIK CustomVue VISX S4 was conducted. Corneal topography was used to determine ablation centration. Primary outcome variables including manifest refraction, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), and complications were evaluated at 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Mean decentration (from ablation zone to entrance pupil) was 0.23 +/- 0.08 mm at 3 months postoperatively. No eyes were decentered > 0.5 mm. Preoperatively, the mean spherical equivalent refraction was -4.81 +/- 11.39 diopters (D) (range: -6.75 to -2.25 D). At 3 months postoperatively, mean spherical equivalent refraction was -0.63 +/- 0.25 D (range: -2.00 to 0.25 D). Nineteen (95%) of 20 eyes had UCVA of 20/40 and 16 (80%) of 20 eyes had UCVA of 20/20 at 3 months postoperatively. Fourteen (70%) eyes were within +/- 0.50 D and 18 (90%) eyes were within +/- 1.00 D of emmetropia. No eye lost > 1 line of BSCVA. CONCLUSIONS: Wavefront-guided LASIK using the CustomVue VISX S4 for myopic eyes results in minimal decentration ablation and effective, predictable, and safe visual outcomes.     

CustomVue laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia and myopic astigmatism using the Visx S4 excimer laser: Efficacy, predictability, and safety

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy, predictability, and safety of custom laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using the Visx wavefront platform CustomVue for the treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism. SETTING: Stanford University Eye Laser Center, Stanford, California, USA. METHODS: This retrospective analysis was of the initial 140 eyes of 78 patients treated consecutively with LASIK for myopia using the Visx Star S4 excimer laser. Primary outcome variables, including uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), manifest refraction, and complications, were evaluated at 1 week and 1 and 3 months. Vector analysis was performed on eyes that received astigmatic correction. RESULTS: Mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was reduced from -3.89 diopters +/- 1.48 (SD) to an SE of -0.21 +/- 0.36 D at 1 month and -0.28 +/- 0.36 D at 3 months (P < .001). At 1 and 3 months, UCVA was 20/20 or better in 84.3% and 87.9%, respectively. Eighty-six percent of eyes at 1 month and 81.4% of eyes at 3 months were within +/-0.5 D of emmetropia. No eyes lost more than 2 lines of BSCVA. Vector analysis yielded an index of success of 0.39, indicating a 61% success rate in achieving the astigmatic surgical correction at 3 months. The preoperative root-mean-square value of 0.28 +/- 0.08 microm increased slightly to 0.33 +/- 0.11 microm at 1 month and 0.34 +/- 0.11 microm at 3 months. CONCLUSION: Wavefront-guided LASIK using the Visx CustomVue system was effective, predictable, and safe for correction of low to moderate myopic refractive error.     

Laser in situ keratomileusis for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, predictability, and surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. METHODS: This retrospective study comprised 69 eyes that had LASIK to correct myopia and 74 eyes that had LASIK to correct myopic astigmatism. The excimer laser keratectomy was performed using a Summit Apex Plus machine. Refraction, visual acuity, and computerized corneal videokeratography data from the preoperative and postoperative examinations were collected. The astigmatic change was calculated by the Alpins vector analysis method. RESULTS: The preoperative spherical equivalent at the glasses plane in the myopia and myopic astigmatism groups was -8.08 diopters (D) and -9.73 D, respectively. At 6 months, the spherical equivalent and residual corneal astigmatism were -0.25 D and 0.85 D, respectively, in the myopia group and -0.71 D and 0.82 D, respectively, in the myopic astigmatism group. In the myopia group, 88% of eyes were within +/-1.0 D of the intended myopia correction and in the myopic astigmatism group, 85% were within +/-1.0 D of the targeted spherical equivalent and 90% were within +/-1.0 D of the intended astigmatism correction. The uncorrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 94.1% of eyes in the myopia group and 92.5% of eyes in the myopic astigmatism group. The SIA magnitude was 0.66 D with the axis randomly distributed in the myopia group. The mean astigmatism correction index was 0.97, the mean magnitude of error was 0.13 D +/- 0.62 (SD), and the mean angle of error was -3.70 +/- 13.73 degrees in the myopic astigmatism group. CONCLUSION: Laser in situ keratomileusis had similar predictability, safety, and efficacy in the treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism. The astigmatism correction was effective, but the results suggest that subjective astigmatism of less than 1.0 D need not be treated with the Summit Apex Plus laser.     

Laser in situ keratomileusis enhancement for consecutive hyperopia after myopic overcorrection.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy, predictability, and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the treatment of consecutive hyperopia after myopic LASIK. SETTING: Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA. METHODS: In a retrospective study, 36 eyes of 30 patients with consecutive hyperopia after myopic LASIK had LASIK retreatment using the VISX S2 excimer laser. Primary outcome variables including uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), manifest refraction, complications, and vector analysis were evaluated preoperatively and 1 day and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean spherical equivalent decreased from +1.52 diopters (D) +/- 0.55 (SD) (range +0.63 to +2.63 D) preoperatively to -0.10 +/- 0.52 D (range -1.25 to +1.50 D) 3 months after retreatment. The UCVA was 20/20 or better in 24 eyes (66.7%) and 20/40 or better in 34 eyes (94.4%). Twenty eyes (55.5%) were within +/-0.5 D of the intended correction and 34 eyes (94.4%), within +/-1.0 D. No eye lost 2 or more lines of BSCVA. One eye (2.8%) developed diffuse lamellar keratitis that resolved without sequelae, and 2 eyes (5.6%) developed nonprogressive epithelial ingrowth that did not require removal. CONCLUSIONS: Laser in situ keratomileusis retreatment for consecutive hyperopia following myopic LASIK was an effective, predictable, and safe procedure. Long-term follow-up is needed to assess stability.     

Treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism by customized laser in situ keratomileusis based on corneal topography

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictability, efficacy, and safety of customized laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) based on corneal topography in myopia and myopic astigmatism. DESIGN: Prospective, noncomparative interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fourteen patients (eyes) with myopia of -1 to -6 diopters (D) and astigmatism of 0 to -4 D (low myopia group), and 89 patients (eyes) with myopia of -6.10 to -12.00 D and astigmatism of 0 to -4.00 D (high myopia group). INTERVENTION: LASIK was performed with the Hansatome Microkeratome and the Keracor 217 spot-scanning excimer laser (Bausch & Lomb Surgical Technolas, Munich, Germany). Individual ablation patterns were calculated on the basis of elevation data obtained with the Orbscan II corneal topography system (Bausch & Lomb Surgical, Irvine, CA). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Manifest spectacle refraction, visual acuity, and change in visual acuity at 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: At 3 months, 51 patients in the low myopia group and 40 patients in the high myopia group were available. In the low (high) myopia group, 96.1% (75.0%) were within +/-0.50 D of emmetropia, and uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 82.4% (62.5%), 20/25 or better in 98.0% (70.0%), and 20/40 or better in 100% (95.0%). A loss of two or more lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity occurred in 3.9% of the low and 5. 0% of the high myopia group. In low myopia, spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 20/12.5 or better in 5.9% preoperatively and in 13.7% at 3 months and 20/15 or better in 37.3% and 47.1%, respectively. Differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The customized LASIK based on corneal topography used in this study showed high predictability and efficacy in myopia and myopic astigmatism of -1.00 to -6.00 D, and could possibly improve spectacle-corrected visual acuity in myopia of -1.00 to -6.00 D. Predictability and efficacy were somewhat lower in myopia and myopic astigmatism of -6.10 to -12.00 D. In both groups, a small number of patients lost two or more lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity.     

Laser in situ keratomileusis with the VISX Star laser for myopia over -10.0 diopters.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy, predictability, stability, and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia over -10.00 diopters (D). SETTING: The Eye Institute of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. METHODS: The prospective study included 332 eyes of 183 patients having LASIK with the VISX Star laser to correct myopia of -10.00 to -18.00 D. The eyes were divided into 3 groups according to the preoperative refraction: Group A (n = 208), -10.00 to -11.90 D; Group B (n = 94), -12.00 to -14.00 D; Group C (n = 30), -14.10 to -18.00 D. The mean follow-up was 12.0 months +/- 5.6 (SD) (range 6 to 37 months). RESULTS: Overall, the mean spherical equivalent decreased 96%, from -11.69 +/- 1.46 D preoperatively to -0.37 +/- 0.80 D postoperatively. The mean astigmatism decreased 72%, from 1.66 +/- 1.22 D to 0.46 +/- 0.53 D. At the last visit, 84.0% of eyes were within +/-1.00 D of emmetropia and 96.4% were within +/-2.00 D. An overcorrection of more than +1.00 D was experienced by 1.8% of patients. The uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 20/20 or better in 45.8% of eyes and 20/40 or better in 89.5%. Six eyes (1.8%) lost 2 or more lines of best corrected visual acuity; this included 1 eye in which iatrogenic keratectasia developed 18 months after LASIK retreatment. Retreatment was done in 37.0% of eyes at a mean of 6.3 +/- 5.3 months (3 to 32 months) after the initial treatment. At the last examination, 86.0% of eyes in Groups A and B and 70.0% in Group C were within +/-1.00 D of emmetropia. A significant difference was found between Groups A and C (P =.032). The UCVA was 20/20 in 52.0% of Group A eyes, 38.0% of Group B eyes, and 23.0% of Group C eyes. The difference between Groups A and C was significant (P =.001), but the difference between Groups A and B was not (P =.055). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, LASIK was effective in correcting myopia up to -14.00 D. The efficacy, predictability, and safety were significantly less in eyes with myopia greater than -14.00 D.     

Ten-year follow-up of laser in situ keratomileusis for high myopia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for high myopia. DESIGN: A long-term (10 years) follow-up retrospective interventional case series study. METHODS: The study included 196 myopic eyes of 118 patients with a mean preoperative spherical equivalent of -13.95 +/- 2.79 diopter (D) treated with myopic LASIK at the Instituto Oftalmológico de Alicante, Spain using the VISX 20/20 excimer laser (VISX Inc, Santa Monica, California, USA) and the Automated Corneal Shaper microkeratome (Chiron Vision, Irvine, California, USA). All patients were evaluated three months, one year, two years, five years, and 10 years postoperatively. The main outcome measures were refractive predictability and stability, mean corneal keratometry, topographical cylinder, safety, efficacy, stability of visual acuity, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: At 10 years, 82 (42%) of 196 eyes were within +/-1.00 D and 119 (61%) were within +/-2.00 D. Fifty-four (27.5%) eyes underwent retreatments attributable to under correction and/or regression. The myopic regression decreases with time in eyes that did not undergo retreatment with a mean rate of -0.25 +/- 0.18 D per year. Eleven eyes (5%) lost more than 2 lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and 78 eyes (40%) showed a postoperatively uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better. Two eyes (1%) with more than 15 D myopic correction developed corneal ectasia. CONCLUSIONS: LASIK for myopia over -10 D is a safe procedure with myopic regression that slows down with time and a high rate of BSCVA increase in the long-term.     

Femtosecond laser versus mechanical keratome flaps in wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis: prospective contralateral eye study

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) performed using the IntraLase femtosecond laser with the outcomes using the Hansatome mechanical microkeratome. SETTING: Private clinic, Overland Park, Kansas, USA. METHODS: In a prospective contralateral-eye study performed under institutional review board supervision, 51 consecutive patients (102 eyes) had bilateral wavefront-guided LASIK for myopia using the Alcon LADARVision laser. One eye of each patient was randomized to have the flap created with the IntraLase femtosecond laser and the other flap using a standard compression head Hansatome microkeratome. All other treatment parameters were the same. RESULTS: The IntraLase group had significantly better mean uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) at all intervals from 1 day to 3 months postoperatively. The mean spheroequivalent at 3 months was more myopic with the Hansatome (-0.34 diopter [D] +/- 0.28 [SD]) than with the IntraLase (-0.19 +/- 0.24 D) (P<.01). The mean residual astigmatism at 3 months was also significantly higher in the Hansatome group than in the IntraLase group (0.32 +/- 0.25 D and 0.17 +/- 0.20 D, respectively) (P<.01). The differences in UCVA persisted after spheroequivalent outcomes were controlled for but equilibrated when the analysis was modified to control for manifest postoperative astigmatism. Aberrometry showed significantly higher astigmatism and trefoil in the Hansatome group. Recovery of corneal sensation and epithelial integrity was similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The statistically better UCVA and manifest refractive outcomes after LASIK with the IntraLase femtosecond laser may be the result of differences in postoperative astigmatism and trefoil. These findings are consistent with previous findings of better astigmatic outcomes with the IntraLase laser and may have clinical significance for wavefront-guided treatments.     

Wavefront-guided LASIK for myopia with the Technolas 217z: results at 3 years

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of wavefront-guided LASIK in patients with low to high myopia. METHODS: The study included 316 eyes of 158 patients; 172 eyes with low to moderate myopia (< or = 6.00 diopters [D]) and 144 eyes with high myopia (> or = 6.25 D). Preoperative wavefront analysis was performed with the Hartmann-Shack aberrometer, and LASIK was done with the Technolas 217z excimer laser. Follow-up was 36 months. Safety, efficacy, predictability, stability, and complications were compared between groups. RESULTS: Mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction (SE) was -6.50 +/- 7.72 D (range: -1.50 to -16.00 D) in the entire study group, -4.91 +/- 1.38 D in the low to moderate myopia group, and -9.41 +/- 2.51 D in the high myopia group. At 36 months, 222 (70%) eyes showed no change in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity and 67 (21%) eyes gained > or = 1 line. In the low to moderate myopia group, SE of +/- 0.50 D was achieved by 85% of eyes and +/- 1.00 D by 97%, and 65% and 80%, respectively, in the high myopia group. Undercorrection > 0.50 D was observed in 25% (36 eyes) of the high myopia group and 5% (8 eyes) of the low to moderate myopia group. All eyes showed significant reduction in spherical aberration (Z4,0) at 12 months postoperatively with no complications except diffuse lamellar keratitis in 2 eyes (1 eye in each group). CONCLUSIONS: Wavefront-guided LASIK is an efficient refractive surgery technique for patients with low to moderate myopia. Higher degrees of myopia may be subject to under- and overcorrection.     

LASIK for myopia with the Zeiss meditec MEL 80

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate a new high-speed, small spot-scanner laser for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. METHODS: Seventy-six consecutive eyes with myopia and myopic astigmatism between -1.00 and -8.25 diopters (D) and up to -2.75 D astigmatism underwent LASIK treatment using the MEL 80 laser (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany). Parameters evaluated were uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), residual refractive error, regression of correction, and aberrometry. RESULTS: Mean preoperative BSCVA was 20/20, which improved to 20/18 postoperatively. Postoperative UCVA was 20/20 at 1 month and 20/18 at 1 year. Uncorrected visual acuity > or = 20/20 was achieved in 58 (83%) of 70 eyes at 1 month and in 60 (88%) of 68 eyes at 1 year. The average refractive error before LASIK was -4.41 +/- 1.98 D. The mean residual refractive error was 0.14 +/- 0.31 D at 1 month and 0.13 +/- 0.30 D at 1 year. At 1-month and 1-year follow-up, respectively, 66 (94%) of 70 eyes and 65 (96%) of 68 eyes were within +/- 0.50 D of intended refractive correction. No eye lost two lines. At 1 month 17% of eyes and at 1 year 13% of eyes gained two lines or more. Between 1-month and 1-year follow-up, 100% of eyes were stable. Mean root-mean-square high order aberration changed from 0.20 microm preoperatively to 0.28 microm postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The MEL 80 is effective and safe in the treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism.     

Laser in situ keratomileusis for different degrees of myopia

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy, predictability, stability and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in treating patients with different degrees of myopia. METHODS: We enrolled 386 eyes of 200 consecutive patients who underwent LASIK and divided them into four groups according to their degree of preoperative spherical equivalent (SE). Group 1 eyes ranged between - 1.00 and - 3.99 dioptres (D) (low myopia). Group 2 eyes ranged between - 4.00 and - 5.99 D (moderate myopia). Group 3 eyes ranged between - 6.00 and - 9.99 D (high myopia). Group 4 eyes were over - 9.99 D (extreme myopia). Follow-up was at 1 day, 1 week and 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Our study included 386 eyes of 200 patients with SE ranging from - 3.00 to - 16.00 D (mean - 7.14 +/- 2.87 D). All eyes were seen at 1 day postoperatively. A total of 360 eyes (93%) were examined at 1 week, 330 eyes (85%) at 1 month, 281 eyes (73%) at 3 months, 247 eyes (64%) at 6 months, 199 eyes (52%) at 12 months and 142 eyes (37%) at 18 months. The postoperative data from 1 day to 12 months were used because of the low follow-up rate at 18 months postoperatively. Group 1 consisted of 30 eyes. The mean SE was - 3.52 +/- 0.43 D preoperatively and - 0.40 +/- 0.58 D at 1 month, - 0.46 +/- 0.60 D at 6 months and - 0.42 +/- 0.50 D at 12 months postoperatively. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 20/40 or better in 95% of eyes at 1 day and in 100% of eyes at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Group 2 consisted of 151 eyes. The mean SE was - 5.36 +/- 0.67 D preoperatively and - 0.54 +/- 0.78 D at 1 month, - 0.56 +/- 0.90 D at 6 months and - 0.55 +/- 0.82 D at 12 months postoperatively. Uncorrected VA was 20/40 or better in 95% of eyes at 1 day and in 100% of eyes at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Group 3 consisted of 167 eyes. The mean SE was - 8.15 +/- 0.94 D preoperatively and - 0.58 +/- 0.90 D at 1 month, - 0.67 +/- 1.00 D at 6 months and - 0.64 +/- 0.95 D at 12 months postoperatively. Uncorrected VA was 20/40 or better in 90% of eyes at 1 day and in 98% of eyes at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Group 4 consisted of 38 eyes. The mean SE was - 11.09 +/- 1.10 D preoperatively and - 1.25 +/- 1.20 D at 1 month, - 1.13 +/- 1.30 D at 6 months and - 1.20 +/- 1.25 D at 12 months postoperatively. Uncorrected VA was 20/40 or better in 78% of eyes at 1 day, in 94% at 6 months and in 90% at 12 months postoperatively. Intraoperative complications (free cap) occurred in two eyes and postoperative complications were observed in three eyes, making the total complications rate 1.29% (5/386). Seven eyes lost one Snellen line of BCVA, five lost two lines and two lost more than two lines (total: 3.64%, 14/386). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, LASIK is effective, predictable and safe for correcting myopia but is more accurate for correcting myopia up to -10.00 D. With more improvement in algorithms and ablation profile, we believe that LASIK can offer better results for higher myopia.     

Laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia and hyperopia using the Lasersight 200 laser in 300 consecutive eyes

PURPOSE: To evaluate effectiveness, safety, predictability, and short-term stability of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using the LaserSight Compac-200 Mini excimer laser with software version 9.0, for all refractive errors. METHODS: One hundred fifty consecutive patients (300 eyes) that received bilateral LASIK for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism were studied prospectively. A new 9.0 software version applying a modified nomogram that takes advantage of bilateral surgery was used. Follow-up at 6 months was available for 267 eyes (89%). RESULTS: Six months postoperatively, 131 eyes (96.32%) in the low to moderate myopia group (-1.00 to -5.99 D; n=136) had a spherical equivalent refraction within +/-1.00 D, and 123 eyes (90.44%) were within +/-0.50 D of emmetropia. In the high to extreme myopia group (-6.00 to -25.00 D; n=114), 97 eyes (87.08%) had a spherical equivalent refraction within +/-1.00 D and 78 eyes (68.42%) were within +/-0.50 D of emmetropia. In the hyperopia group (+1.00 to +6.00 D; n=50), 44 eyes (88%) had a postoperative spherical equivalent refraction within +/-1.00 D, and 31 eyes (62%) were within +/-0.50 D of emmetropia. Mean change in spherical equivalent refraction at 6 months was less than -0.50 D in the low to high myopia groups and -1.16 +/- 0.55 D in the extreme myopia group. At 6 months follow-up, uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 73 eyes (54%) in the low to moderate myopia groups and 21 eyes (18%) in the high to extreme myopia groups. In the hyperopia group at 6 months follow-up, uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 31 eyes (62%) and 20/40 or better in 41 eyes (82%). Only two eyes had a temporary loss of two or more lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity due to corneal folds that were surgically treated. Six months after LASIK, no eye had lost any lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity in this series. CONCLUSIONS: Our modified LASIK nomogram with the 9.0 software of the LaserSight 200 excimer laser (with a larger and smoother ablation pattern) resulted in safe and effective outcomes for the treatment of low to high myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia.