Laser in situ keratomileusis for anisometropic amblyopia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and benefit of laser in situ keratomileus is (LASIK) for correction of anisometropic amblyopia. METHODS: LASIK was performed in 21 eyes of 21 anisometropic amblyopes with a mean age of 27.71 +/- 12.24 years. Three patients were less than 18 years of age. LASIK was performed in the more myopic and amblyopic eye using the Chiron Automated Corneal Shaper microkeratome and the Nidek EC-5000 excime r laser system. RESULTS: Results of 3-month follow-up are presented. Preoperative mean mani fest spherical equivalent refraction was -13.20 +/- 3.84 D (range, -5.25 to -20.00 D). Mean attempted correction was -12.28 +/- 3.47 D. Mean postopera tive refraction at 3 months was -0.78 +/- 1.63 D. Postoperative uncorrected visual acuity improved by 2 or more lines in all patients and was the same or better than preoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity in 95.2 % of eyes. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved by 1 or more lin es in 61.9% of eyes. The 12-year-old child had a gain of more than 4 lines of uncorrected visual acuity. CONCLUSION: LASIK was a good alternative to contact lenses in adults for an isometropia and resulted in a gain of best spectacle-corrected visual acuit y. In children it may be an alternative method of treatment for amblyopia.