We evaluated the safety and efficacy of laser in situ
keratomileusis (LASIK) for the correction of low to moderate
amounts of myopia
(-1.25 to -6.00 D).
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) was performed on 432 eyes and LASIK on 137 eyes with a Chiron Keracor 116 excimer laser. Uncorrected and corrected visual acuity, corneal sensitivity, contrast sensitivity, and corneal topography were examined before and after surgery.
One-year follow-up of 307 eyes in the PRK group and 103 eyes in the LASIK group was achieved. At 1 year, 83% (85 of 103) of LASIK eyes and 72% (221 of 307) of PRK eyes had an uncorrected visual acuity of 1.0 or better. Eighty-nine percent (92 of 103) of LASIK eyes and 83% (255 of 307) of PRK eyes had a refractive error within ±1.00 D of emmetropia; 71% (73 of 103) of LASIK eyes and 61% (188 of 307) of PRK eyes were within ±0.50 D of emmetropia. Contrast sensitivity and corneal sensitivity were reduced in both groups at the early postoperative stage but gradually returned to preoperative values; their recovery took about 3 months in LASIK eyes and 6 to 12 months in PRK eyes.
LASIK is safe and more predictable than PRK to correct low to moderate amounts of myopia. Recovery from LASIK is faster than after PRK. [J Refract Surg 1997;13:528-534]
From the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, The Peoples Republic of China.
Part of the 6-month results of this study was presented in an abstract at the 1996 ARVO annual meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
This study was supported by the Science and Technology Grant of Guangdong Province, China.
The authors have no propriety interests in any materials or methods described within the article.
Correspondence: Zheng Wang, MD, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,
54 Xianlie Road, Guangzhou 510060, People's Republic of
China.
Tel:86-20-8730-0890;Fax:86-20-8777-5271;
Email:
gzstwang@public1.guangzhou.gd.cn
Received: September 25, 1996
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