Laser in situ keratomileusis for residual myopia after radial keratotomy and photorefractive keratectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual outcome, stability, and complications of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for residual myopia after radial keratotomy (RK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). SETTING: Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Chennai, India. METHODS: Twenty eyes that had LASIK treatment for residual myopia after RK (10 eyes) or PRK (10 eyes) were retrospectively analyzed. Laser in situ keratomileusis was performed after a mean period of 24.3 months +/- 0.75 (SD) in the RK group and 22.0 +/- 1.07 months in the PRK group. RESULTS: At the last follow-up, the mean spherical equivalent was reduced from -6.05 +/- 1.98 diopters (D) to -1.26 +/- 0.32 D (P <.05) in the RK group and from -3.38 +/- 1.30 D to -0.55 +/- 0.40 D (P <.005) in the PRK group. The mean uncorrected visual acuity improved from 20/300 (range 20/600 to 20/200) to 20/40 (range 20/60 to 20/20) (P <.05) and from 20/200 (range 20/800 to 20/80) to 20/25 (range 20/40 to 20/20) (P <.05), respectively. Two eyes in the RK group and 3 in the PRK group gained 1 line of best corrected visual acuity, and 2 eyes in the RK group lost 1 line. No sight-threatening complications such as a free flap, corneal ectasia, or a retinal complication occurred. There was no statistically significant difference in corneal haze before and after LASIK. Two eyes in the RK group required repositioning of the flap because of irregular apposition to the stromal bed. CONCLUSION: Laser in situ keratomileusis was safe, effective, and stable in the treatment of residual myopia after RK and PRK.