[Laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) for treatment of XXXX up to -6.0 D. Results from 108 eyes after 12 months].

@entity940 @entity1 @entity936 @entity158 @entity1714
BACKGROUND: Laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) is a new keratorefractive procedure for the correction of @entity1714 and @entity940 , which may combine advantages and eliminate disadvantages of photorefractive keratectomy (e.g. @entity158 , corneal haze) and laser in situ keratomileusis (e.g. flap and interface complications, @entity936 , keratectasia). We present the results of 108 consecutively LASEK-treated eyes with a follow-up period of 12 months. @entity1 AND METHODS: LASEK was performed on 108 consecutive eyes with @entity1714 or @entity940 using a keracor 117 excimer laser. The mean preoperative refraction was -4.12+/-1.30 diopters (D) spherical equivalent range: -1.75 to -6.0 D and maximal cylinder was 3.25 D. Results of the 12 months visit are available for 101 eyes (93.5%). RESULTS: No serious complications were observed. After 12 months, SE was within +/-1.0 D of emmetropia in 96% and within +/-0.5 D in 86% of the eyes; 6 eyes had to be retreated. None of the eyes showed haze worse than grade 1 or lost more than one line of best-corrected visual acuity. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was > or =20/20 in 80% and > or =20/40 in 98%. CONCLUSIONS: Laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) seems to be safe and effective in treatment of @entity1714 and @entity940 of up to -6.0 D. Preliminary results compare favourably with those after photorefractive keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis. Haze formation after LASEK seems to be low. Coverage of the stromal wound with a vital epithelial flap could positively influence postoperative wound healing reactions.
