[Laser in situ keratomileusis for correction of myopia].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the correction of myopia. METHODS A total of 429 eyes with preoperative refraction of -2.00 to -28.00 diopters were treated with LASIK and followed up for more than 12 months. Based on the refraction, the patients were divided into 3 groups: Group I, -2.00, to -8.00 diopters, 179 eyes; Groups II, -8.25 to -15.00 diopters, 137 eyes; Group III, -15.25 to -28.00 diopters, 113 eyes. The examinations included cycloplegic refractions, Goldman tonometry, corneal sensitivity, contrast sensitivity, specular microscopy, pachymetry and corneal topography. The parameters of LASIK were: the thickness of corneal cap was 130 or 160 microns, and the maximum diameter of ablation zone was 6.8 mm. After surgery, fluorometholone was given to the patients topically for 1 or 2 months. RESULTS The vision and refractions tended to be normal 3 months after operation. The contrast sensitivity returned to normal 3 to 6 months after surgery. The endothelium did not show any changes. At 12 months, respectively 88.8%, 79.6% and 70.8% in the above groups were within +/- 1D, 73.7%, 65.0% and 46.0% were within +/- 0.5D; the uncorrected visual acuity was 0.5 or better in 96.6%, 81.8% and 54.9% of the patients, 84.4%, 58.4% and 15.0% had vision of 1.0 or better. CONCLUSIONS LASIK is effective and safe for the correction of mild, moderate and high myopia. However, it is more complicated than PRK and more dependent on the surgical skills.