Prospective, randomized, paired comparison of laser epithelial keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy for myopia less than -6.50 diopters

PURPOSE: We compared predictability, efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction following laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for low to moderate myopia with either the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser or the Technolas 217C excimer laser. METHODS: Forty-two patients with spherical equivalent refraction in the range -1.00 to -6.50 D were enrolled in this prospective study, each randomized for choice and sequence of LASEK and PRK on each of their eyes. Patients were examined daily for 7 days, and at 1 and 3 months. Patient satisfaction and quality of vision were assessed using a subjective questionnaire. RESULTS: Mean baseline refraction was -3.57 +/- 1.25 D in LASEK eyes and -3.44 +/- 1.13 D in PRK eyes. Follow-up rates were 100% up to 1 month and 76% at 3 months. At 3 months, 32 (100%) of LASEK eyes and 31 (97%) of PRK eyes had uncorrected visual acuity > or = 20/40, 25 (79%) of LASEK eyes and 26 (82%) of PRK eyes had uncorrected visual acuity > or = 20/20, mean refraction was 0.08 +/- 0.53 D in LASEK eyes and 0.12 +/- 0.50 D in PRK eyes, 26 (81%) of LASEK eyes and 23 (72%) of PRK eyes had a refraction within +/- 0.50 D and 29 (91%) of LASEK eyes and 30 (94%) of PRK eyes had refraction within +/- 1.00 D. Epithelial healing time and pain in LASEK and PRK eyes were not statistically different, and patients were equally satisfied. CONCLUSION: LASEK had similar predictability, efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction to PRK in the treatment of low to moderate myopia.