Background: Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) preserves the corneal
epithelium and Bowman's layer, which theoretically minimizes corneal
scarring. We, therefore, evaluated the accuracy, stability and safely
of LASIK in moderate to high myopia. Patients and methods: Eighty-five
eyes (50 patients) treated using the Automatic Corneal Shaper and the
Keracor 116 excimer laser were followed up for 1, 6, and 12 months. S
pectacle refraction, visual acuity and rate of retreatments were evalu
ated. Results: At 12 months, results were as follows: Myopia -5 to -9.
9 D (n = 20); 85 % within 1 D; regression between one and 12 months le
ss than or equal to 1 D in 90 %; uncorrected acuity 20/40 or better in
75 %; no loss of two or more lines of visual acuity. Myopia -10 to -1
4.9 D (n = 33): 73 % within 1 D; regression between 1 and 12 months le
ss than or equal to 1 D in 91 %; uncorrected acuity 20/40 or better in
79 %; 6.1 % lost two lines of visual acuity. Myopia -15 to -29 D (n =
32): 31 % within 1 D; regression between one and 12 months ( 1 D in 6
3 %; 6.3 % lost two or more lines of visual acuity. Reoperations were
performed in two eyes (2.4%) due to epithelial ingrowth or folds ofthe
flap, and in four eyes (4.7 %) because of undercorrections or ''centr
al islands.'' Conclusions: LASIK is an accurate and stable procedure f
or correcting myopia of -5 to -15 D. In higher myopia, however, result
s are not satisfactory.