Background: Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) combines a 30-year-old established lamellar keratectomy procedure with the precision of the photoablating excimer laser. This procedure is used to reduce moderate myopia and astigmatism.
Methods: LASIK was performed on 130 eyes and the visual outcome was evaluated.
Results: A total of 63 male eyes and 67 female eyes (mean age, 36 years: range, 19 to 57 years) were evaluated, for a total of 130 eyes. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent was -7.450 (range, -3.12 to -13.87 D). The mean preoperative cylinder was -1.15 DC (range, plano to -4.50 DC). For 130 eyes, after 1 month the mean postoperative spherical equivalent was -0.53 D (range, +2.00 to -4.62 D), and the mean postoperative cylinder was -0.33 DC (range, plano to -2.75 DC). For 82 eyes, after 3 months the mean postoperative spherical equivalent was -0.83 D (range, +1.00 to -4.67 D), and the mean postoperative cylinder was -0.41 DC (range, plano to -2.00 DC). For 49 eyes, after 6 months the mean postoperative spherical equivalent was -0.84 D (range, +1.00 to -8.25 D), and the mean postoperative cylinder was -0.43 DC (range, plano to -1.75 DC). For 20 eyes, the mean postoperative spherical equivalent after 12 months was -0.72 D (range, +0.50 to -2.50 D), and the mean postoperative cylinder was -0.53 DC (range, plano to -2.50 DC).
Conclusions: LASIK appears to be an effective treatment for the reduction of moderate-to-high myopia.