Laser in situ keratomileusis to correct residual myopia after cataract surgery

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness, predictability, and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for correcting residual myopia after catara ct surgery with intraocular lens implantation. METHODS: Twenty-two eyes of 22 patients underwent LASIK for the correction of residual myopia after cataract surgery. LASIK was carried out using the Chiron Automated Corneal Shaper and the NIDEK EC-5000 excimer laser. In all eyes, the follow-up was 12 months. RESULTS: Before LASIK, I eye (4.5%) had an uncorrected visual acuity of 0.5 or better; 12 months after LASIK, 10 eyes (45.4%) achieved this level of v isual acuity and 0 eyes achieved 1.00 or better. Before LASIK, mean refract ion was -2.90 +/- 1.80 D; 12 months after LASIK it decreased significantly to 0.40 +/- 0.60 D (P < .01). In 18 eyes (81.8%) at 12 months after LASIK, spherical equivalent refraction was within +/-1.00 D of emmetropia; 11 eyes (50%) were within 0.50 D. No vision-threatening complications occurred. CONCLUSION: LASIK with the Automated Corneal Shaper and Nidek EC-5000 excim er laser was an effective, predictable, stable, and safe procedure for corr ecting residual myopia after cataract surgery. No intraocular lens or catar act incision related complications occurred when LASIK was performed at lea st 3 months after phacoemulsification.