Laser epithelial keratomileusis for myopia with the autonomous laser

PURPOSE: To describe the refractive outcome, objective clinical data, and subjective patient experiences after laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective, nonrandomized, comparative study of 58 LASEK-treated eyes (36 patients) with myopia (with and without astigmatism) between -1.50 and -14.75 D (mean -7.80 +/- 2.90 D, median -7.90 D). Refractive surgery was performed using the Alcon Summit Autonomous LADAR Vision excimer laser. Manifest refraction, best-spectacle and uncorrected Snellen visual acuity, stability of refraction, and corneal haze were evaluated before surgery and up to 6 months after surgery. A group of randomly selected LASIK-treated eyes were compared at each time point. RESULTS: Patients who opted for monovision (n=12) were excluded. In the emmetropia targeted eyes (n=46), 45%, 83%, 85%, and 89% achieved 20/40 or better uncorrected Snellen visual acuity (UCVA) at 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month respectively. At 6 months, 73% (n=28) of eyes treated achieved UCVA 20/20 with 97% achieving 20/40 or better (mean, -0.51 D). At 3 and 6 months, 71% (n=46) and 68% (n=28) were within +/- 0.50 D of emmetropia. The percentage of eyes that achieved UCVA 20/40 or better at 6 months was 97% (n=28). Visually significant corneal haze was evident in two LASEK-treated patients (four eyes) at 6 months. No eyes lost two or more lines of best spectacle-corrected Snellen visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary data suggest that LASEK appears to be a safe, effective, and comparable alternative to LASIK, even for higher amounts of myopia. A prospective, randomized clinical trial is needed to better define the role of LASEK as it compares to other refractive procedures, specifically LASIK and PRK.     

准分子激光上皮下角膜磨镶术治疗近视

目的 :研究保留角膜上皮的准分子激光上皮下角膜磨镶术治疗近视早期临床疗效。方法 :2 0例 3 7眼术前近视屈光度平均 -2 48± 1 14D (-1 2 5～ -8 0D) ,采用 2 3 %酒精浸泡 3 0秒制作角膜上皮瓣 ,激光切削采用Chiron117准分子激光系统。结果 :术后平均视力 :1周 0 92± 0 14 ,1月 1 2 8± 0 2 0 ,3月 1 2 5± 0 18。术后 3月角膜Haze 0级 2 8眼 ,0 5级 9眼。术后第 1天疼痛分级 :0级 12眼 (3 2 4% ) ,Ⅰ级 18眼 (4 8 2 % )、 >Ⅰ级 7眼 (19 4% )。结论 :准分子激光上皮下角膜磨镶术术后疼痛症状、角膜Haze明显减轻 ,但是疗效还需要长期观察及与PRK对比研究     

准分子激光角膜原位磨镶术治疗近视的临床研究

目的     

准分子激光上皮下角膜磨镶术治疗高度近视

目的　观察准分子激光上皮下角膜磨镶术 (lasersubepithelialkeratomileusis ,LASEK)治疗高度近视的近期疗效。方法　LASEK治疗 18例 3 1眼高度近视 ,屈光度 -6 0D～ -10 0D ,随访 3～ 10月。结果　术后第 3月 (共 3 1眼 )角膜haze≤ 1级 2 7眼 (87 1% ) ,>1级 4眼 (12 9% ) ;裸眼视力 2 9眼 (93 5% )≥ 0 8,2 4眼 (77 4% )≥ 1 0。术后第 6月 (共 2 6眼 )角膜haze≤ 1级 2 4眼 (92 3 % ) ,>1级 2眼 (7 7% ) ;裸眼视力 2 3眼 (88 5% )≥ 0 8,2 0眼 (76 9% )≥ 1 0。结论　LASEK为治疗高度近视提供了一种新的方法 ,但是其长期的安全性、有效性和预测性有待进一步研究     

准分子激光上皮下角膜磨镶术治疗高度近视

目的 评价准分子激光上皮下原位角膜磨镶术(LASEK)治疗高度近视早期临床疗效。方法 37例74眼术前近视屈光度为-6D～ -15D,平均为(-10.5±0.7)D。采用美国博士伦公司Technolas217型准分子激光系统进行手术。结果 术后裸眼视力≥0.8者1月时为47％,3月时52％,6月时97.5％。结论 LASEK治疗高度近视角膜偏薄患者具有良好的预测性和安全性。     

准分子激光上皮下角膜磨镶术后并发症的治疗

目的:分析准分子激光上皮下角膜磨镶术(LASEK)治疗近视的并发症,探讨其发生原因及预防措施。方法:近视患者25例46眼行LASEK后,随诊6mo,分析其并发症。结果:术后角膜上皮愈合延迟4眼(8.7%);丝状角膜炎1眼(2.2%);角膜感染2眼(4.3%);角膜雾状混浊(haze)18眼(39.1%),平均0.81±0.48级;术后激素性高眼压8眼(17.4%)。术后6mo屈光回退>-1.00DS者5眼(10.9%);散光度增加>1.00DC者5眼(10.9%),矫正视力较术前下降1行者7眼(15.2%)。结论:LASEK治疗高度近视安全、有效,但存在一定的并发症,尤其是术后早期的角膜上皮愈合延迟和晚期的严重角膜雾状混浊必须引起重视。术后随访的完善、合理的用药、有效护理措施有助于减少术后并发症的发生和提高手术的预测性和准确性。     

Laser epithelial keratomileusis for the treatment of low to moderate myopia: preliminary results

PURPOSE: To analyze the refractive outcome and the postoperative pain and corneal haze following laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) for the treatment of low to moderate myopia. METHODS: A monocentric prospective noncomparative study was started in June 2000, after informed consent was obtained from patients with a spherical equivalent of less than -5 diopters (D). This study actually was part of another prospective comparative study where the contralateral eye underwent photorefractive keratectomy. An epithelial debridement was performed using diluted ethanol, the epithelial flap was lifted, photoablation was performed, the flap was put back in place, and secured by a bandage contact lens. The refractive outcome was assessed, and postoperative pain and haze were graded using an analogical visual scale from 0 to 10 and a scale of 0 to 4, respectively. RESULTS: We included 17 eyes of 16 patients. LASEK was performed successfully in 15 eyes (88.2%). One of these eyes could not be assessed for the refractive outcome and postoperative haze because the epithelial flap was torn during contact lens removal. The mean postoperative pain level during the night following the procedure was 5.7+/-2.0. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was -2.5+/-1.0 D, and after a 2-month follow-up, the mean postoperative SE was +0.26+/-0.6 D. Twelve eyes (85.7%) and 10 eyes (71.4%) were within +/-1.0 D and +/-0.5 D from the attempted correction, respectively. The corneal haze grade was less than 1 in 12 eyes (85.7%) and equal to 1 in two eyes (14.3%). No complications and no loss of postoperative best-corrected visual acuity were noted. CONCLUSIONS: LASEK appears to be a reliable and reproducible technique for the treatment of myopia-associated SE of less than -5 D. Postoperative pain is moderate and flap-related complications of LASIK are avoided.     

准分子激光原位角膜磨镶术治疗近视

目的 全面评价准分子激光原位角膜磨镶术（laser in-situ keratom ileusis,LASIK）治疗近视的疗效。方法 对术前近视度为-2.00～-28.00D的患者429只眼行LASIK手术,观察12个月以上,按术前屈光度分为三组：-2.00～-8.00 D组179只眼,-8.25～-15.00 D组137只眼,-15.25～-28.00 D组113只眼,手术前后检查包括远、近视力、验光,裂隙灯和眼底检查,以及眼压、角膜知觉、对比敏感度、角膜内皮细胞照像、超声角膜测厚及角膜地形图等。手术参数包括：角膜瓣厚度130～160μm,最大切削直径5.8mm。手术后滴0.1%氟甲脱氧泼尼松龙眼液,持续1-2个月,结果 术后裸眼视力和屈光状态于1-3个月趋向稳定,角膜知觉在术后3个月时恢复术羊水平,而对比敏感度于术后3-6个月恢复正常,角膜内皮细胞密度无变化,术后12个月时,三组的屈光度在±1D以内者分别为88.8%、19.6%和70.8%,在±0.5D以内者分别为73.7%、65.0%和46.0%;裸眼视力达0.5或以上者分别为96.6%、81.8%和54.9＆,达1.0或者分别为84.4％、58.4％和15.0％。结论 LASIK手术对于高、中、低度近视均可取得良好的治疗效果,手术安全,但较PRK复杂,依赖于手术者的技术,目前尚无LASIK专用程序,需对PRK程序作一定修改。     

准分子激光上皮下角膜磨镶术的并发症探讨

目的分析准分子激光上皮下角膜磨镶术(LASEK)治疗高度近视的并发症,探讨其发生原因及预防措施。方法106例205眼高度近视患者(-7.00D～12.00D)行LASEK后均随诊12m,观察及分析其并发症。结果术中角膜上皮瓣不完整28眼占13.7%;术后角膜上皮愈合延迟5眼占2.4%;丝状角膜炎5眼占2.4%;角膜感染1眼占0.5%;角膜雾状混浊(haze)142眼占69.3%,平均(0.81±0.48)级,其中2级以上者11眼占5.4%;术后激素性高眼压3眼占1.5%。术后12m屈光回退>-1.00D23眼占11.2%;散光度增加>1.00D15眼占7.3%;矫正视力较术前下降1行20眼占9.8%。结论LASEK治疗高度近视安全、有效,但存在一定的并发症,尤其是术后早期的角膜上皮愈合延迟和晚期的严重角膜雾状混浊必须引起重视。手术技巧的提高和术后随访的完善,合理的用药有助于减少手术并发症的发生和提高手术的预测性和准确性。     

Laser intrastromal keratomileusis for high myopia and myopic astigmatism

BACKGROUND—Laser intrastromal keratomileusis (LASIK) is an evolving technique which enables high degrees of myopia (>8.0 dioptres) and myopic astigmatism to be corrected. This paper describes initial experience with this procedure. It also details the methodology, the results, the problems encountered, and discusses retreatment procedures.
METHODS—51 eyes (48 primary cases and three retreatments) underwent LASIK for simple myopia or compound myopic astigmatism. After the keratotomy was fashioned with a Chiron corneal shaper, the ablation was performed with either a Summit or Meditec excimer laser. The actual preoperative astigmatism ranged from −0.5 D to −6.0 D (in the astigmatic myopic LASIK (AML) series), while the range of preoperative myopia in the combined myopic LASIK (ML) and AML series was −8.0 D to −37.0 D. Of the ML cases, group 1 (−8.0 to −15.0 D (dioptres)), group 2 (> −15.0 to −20.0 D), and group 3 (> −20.0 D) had mean preoperative myopia values (spherical equivalent) of −11.26 D, −16.84 D and −27.78 D. The same groupings (1, 2, and 3) for the AML cases had respective values of −9.702, −17.4, and −23.08. In the AML series the mean preoperative astigmatism was −2.109 D. Follow up ranged from 8 to 27 months (mean 15.8 months). Six of the cases required retreatment.
RESULTS—There was a reduction in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (of 1 Snellen line) in seven of the primary cases (14.5 %) (three in the ML group and four in the AML group), and in one of the retreatment cases. The BCVA improved in 28 cases (58%) in the primary treatment group. The mean correction attempted (spherical equivalent) for the ML groups 1, 2, and 3 was 10.51 D, −14.5 D, and −27.78 D, versus a mean correction achieved of −9.445 D, −15.625 D, and −21.571 D. Similarly, for the AML groups, attempted correction values were −9.702 D, −17.4 D, and −23.08 D, while the values achieved were −6.95 D, −51.425 D, and −15.708 D. Regression was minimal and stabilisation of the refractive result was achieved in all groups, except group 3 of the ML series, by the 3 month examination period. The mean postoperative astigmatism in the AML series was −0.531 D. Vector analysis of the AML series showed that the mean surgically induced astigmatism was +0.93 D. The most common complication encountered was undercorrection, which occurred in 35 cases—23 cases in the ML group and 12 cases in the AML series. Twenty eight per cent of the ML cases, and 25% of the AML cases were within plus or minus 1.5 D of the attempted refraction.
CONCLUSION—For the correction of high myopia and myopic astigmatism, LASIK results in less postoperative pain and relatively little subepithelial haze compared with high myopic photorefractive keratectomy. Furthermore, a stable refraction and reasonably predictable outcome occurs much earlier. High myopia up to −37.0 D can be corrected, albeit with some limitations at the extremes of myopia—in terms of the amount of myopia correctable; this represents a limitation of the technique. Retreatment is a technically straightforward and effective way to treat undercorrection. Undercorrection, the main complication seen in our series, should become less common when the ablation algorithms are further refined.

     

準分子激光角膜原位磨鑲術治療高度近視

目的評價準分子激光角膜原位磨鑲術(excimer laser in situ kratomileusis,LASIK)治療高度近視的療效.方法對74例(139眼)接受LASIK治療,術后隨訪6～12個月的高度近視病人資料進行分析.術前近視屈光度平均爲-9.58±3.69D(-6.0～-25.0D),最佳戴鏡矯正視力0.93±0.23.結果術后裸眼視力和屈光狀態于1～3個月趨向穩定.平均殘余屈光度≥-0.5D者35眼(25.2%),其中-6.25～-10.0D組爲13眼(15.3%),-10.25～-15.0D組17眼(40.5%),≥-15.25D組5眼(41.6%);≥-1.0D者23眼(16.5%);裸眼視力達0.5以上者127眼(91.4%),達1.0以上者23眼(41.7%).最佳矯正視力損失2行以上者1眼(0.9%).結論 LASIK治療高度近視安全、有效,療效優于PRK.提高手術技巧,預防"瓣相關并發症"是做好LASIK手術的關鍵.     

准分子激光上皮瓣下角膜磨镶术治疗近视散光

目的　探讨准分子激光上皮瓣下角膜磨镶术 (LaserSubepithelialKeratomileusis ,LASEK)治疗近视散光的疗效。方法　 2 2 5例 42 3眼行LASEK术 ,术前裸眼视力 (UncorrectedVisualAcuity ,UCVA) 0 0 1～ 0 8,平均 0 2± 0 16,最佳矫正视力 (BestCorrectedVisualAcuity ,BCVA )0 5～ 1 5 ,平均 1 14± 0 18。术前近视度数 -0 2 5～ -10 75D ,平均 -4 2 2± -1 88D ,散光度数 -0 2 5～ -5 0 0D ,平均 -1 0 4± -0 74D。随访 3～ 12月。结果　术后裸眼视力 0 2～ 1 5 ,平均 1 0 6± 0 18。术后 3 89眼 ( 92 % )有轻度不适。术后 2 1眼出现haze ,0 5级 15眼 ,1 0级 4眼 ,2 0级 2眼。结论　LASEK兼具了PRK和LASIK的优点 ,无严重并发症 ,手术预测性好 ,是一种安全、有效的屈光手术     

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 residual myopia after primary LASIK

PURPOSE: To analyze the results of secondary laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for residual myopia after primary LASIK. SETTING: Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Chennai, India. METHODS: A retrospective study of 50 eyes of 29 patients who had a secondary LASIK procedure was carried out. After a mean follow-up of 5.84 months +/- 3.24 (SD) after the primary procedure, the mean myopic residual refraction was -4.30 +/- 1.83 diopters (D). In 10 eyes, the primary corneal flap was lifted by blunt dissection. In 40 eyes, the flap was made with a second cut. The secondary LASIK was performed using the Chiron Technolas Keracor 217 excimer laser and the Automated Corneal Shaper microkeratome (Bausch & Lomb). RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 16.58 +/- 3.06 months. At 12 months, the mean spherical equivalent was -0.45 +/- 0.68 D (P <.05). Thirty-one eyes were emmetropic, 13 eyes were within +/-1.00 D of emmetropia, and 5 eyes were within +/-2.00 D. The mean uncorrected visual acuity improved from 20/80 (range 20/60 to 20/200) to 20/40 (range 20/20 to 20/200) (P <.005). Seventeen eyes gained 1 line of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity; 1 eye lost 1 line because of a decentered ablation with an induced postoperative astigmatism of -3.50 D cylinder. No sight-threatening complications such as a free cap, flap irregularity, corneal ectasia, or retinal complication occurred postoperatively. Epithelial ingrowth developed in 5 eyes and corneal thinning, in 1 eye. Three eyes had night glare. CONCLUSION: Secondary LASIK was a safe, stable, and effective method for the treatment of residual myopia after primary LASIK.     

Laser in situ keratomileusis for residual myopia after photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopic regression and undercorrection after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). SETTING: The Eye Institute, Sydney, Australia. METHODS: Fifty eyes of 32 patients were treated by LASIK for residual myopia following primary PRK. The mean spherical equivalent refraction (SEQ) was -2.92 diopters (D) +/- 1.57 (SD) (range -0.75 to -7.88 D). The mean refractive cylinder was 0.96 +/- 0.74 D (range 0 to 3.50 D). For analysis, the eyes were divided into 2 groups: those with 0 or low corneal haze (Group 1) and those with severe corneal haze (Group 2). In Group 1, the SEQ was -1.99 +/- 0.79 D (range -0.75 to -3.75 D) and in Group 2, -3.77 +/- 1.62 D (range -0.75 to -7.90 D). The procedure was performed using the Chiron Automated Corneal Shaper and the Summit Apex Plus laser. The mean interval between PRK and LASIK was 25 months (range 9 to 59 months). The following parameters were studied before and after LASIK retreatment: SEQ, mean refractive cylinder, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Complications after LASIK retreatment were evaluated. RESULTS: Six months after LASIK, the mean SEQ in all eyes was -0.65 +/- 0.86 D (range +1.50 to -3.35 D); 70.0% of eyes were within +/-1.00 D of emmetropia and the UCVA was 6/12 or better in 72.5%. The mean SEQ in Group 1 was -0.22 +/- 0.55 D (range -0.88 to -1.50 D) and in Group 2, -0.97+/- 0.92 D (range 0.12 to -3.25 D); the UCVA was 6/12 or better in 94.0% of eyes in Group 1 and in 56.0% in Group 2. No statistically significant between-group difference was found in lines of Snellen acuity lost or gained at 6 months. No eye lost more than 1 line of BCVA. CONCLUSIONS: Laser in situ keratomileusis appears to be a safe, effective, and predictable procedure for treating eyes with 0 or low haze with residual myopia after PRK. It is less predictable in eyes with severe haze.     

准分子激光角膜原位磨镶术矫治高度近视准分子激光屈光性角膜切削术后屈光回退的临床观察

目的评价准分子激光角膜原位磨镶术（LASIK）矫治高度近视准分子激光屈光性角膜切削术（PRK）后屈光回退的疗效。方法回顾性临床研究。对PRK术后2年以上、屈光回退且屈光度稳定的患者8例14眼行LASIK,对LASIK术后术眼进行评价。患眼PRK术前屈光度为-6.25～-12.50 D,PRK术后屈光度为-1.50～-6.25 D。随访观察LASIK矫正1年后术眼的裸眼视力、最佳矫正视力、屈光度、上皮下雾状混浊（haze）形成和角膜厚度的变化。结果所有患眼术后主观症状较轻。LASIK术后1年平均球镜度数为（-0.62±0.94）D。LASIK术后0.5≤裸眼视力〈0.8者4眼,≥0.8者9眼,1眼（7.1%）最佳矫正视力下降2行。4眼术后出现不同程度的haze,包括2级haze 3眼、3级haze 1眼。应用氟米龙滴眼液1个月后,haze及屈光回退减轻;术后1年,1级haze 2眼,2级haze 2眼,3级haze 1眼。LASIK术前角膜厚度为（467±38）μm,术后为（422±21）μm。结论高度近视PRK术后屈光回退行LASIK矫治是一种可行的方法,但少数患者术后可出现haze,仍需治疗。     

Laser in situ keratomileusis retreatment for residual myopia and astigmatism

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual and refractive results of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) retreatment on eyes with residual myopia with or without astigmatism. METHODS: LASIK retreatment was performed on 35 eyes of 23 patients for correction of residual myopia, with or without astigmatism, with a mean manifest spherical equivalent refraction of -2.17+/-0.82 D (range, -1.00 to -3.87 D) and mean refractive astigmatism of -0.55+/-0.61 D (range, 0 to -1.75 D). Retreatment was performed 3 to 18 months after primary LASIK (mean, 5.1+/-2.6 mo). The corneal flap of the previous LASIK was lifted and laser ablation was performed using the Chiron-Technolas Keracor 116 excimer laser. Follow-up was 12 months for all eyes. RESULTS: At 1 year after retreatment, manifest spherical equivalent refraction was reduced to a mean -0.23+/-0.28 D (range, 0 to -0.87 D), and refractive astigmatism was reduced to a mean -0.16+/-0.25 D (range, 0 to -0.75 D). Thirty-two eyes (91.5%) had a manifest spherical equivalent refraction within +/-0.50 D of emmetropia, and 33 eyes (94.3%) had 0 to 0.50 D of refractive astigmatism. Uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 11 eyes (31.4%). Spectacle-corrected visual acuity was not reduced in any eye after retreatment. There were no significant complications. CONCLUSION: LASIK retreatment was effective for correction of residual myopia or astigmatism after primary LASIK. Refractive results were predictable with good stability after 3 months. Lifting the flap during LASIK retreatment was relatively easy to perform and did not result in visual morbidity in eyes treated from 3 up to 18 months after primary LASIK.