Laser in situ keratomileusis for residual myopia after radial keratotomy and photorefractive keratectomy

Purpose: To evaluate the visual outcome, stability, and complications of la ser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for residual myopia after radial keratot omy (RK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Setting: Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Chennai, India. Methods: Twenty eyes that had LASIK treatment for residual myopia after RK (10 eyes) br PRK (10 eyes) were retrospectively analyzed. Laser in situ ker atomileusis was per formed after a mean period of 24.3 months +/- 0.75 (SD) in the RK group and 22.0 +/- 1.07 months in the PRK group. Results: At the last follow-up, the mean spherical equivalent was reduced f rom -6.05 +/- 1.98 diopters (D) to -1.26 +/- 0.32 D (P <.05) in the RK grou p and from -3.38 +/- 1.30 D to -0.55 +/- 0.40 D (P <.005) in the PRK group. The mean uncorrected visual acuity improved from 20/300 (range 20/600 to 2 0/200) to 20/40 (range 20/60 to 20/20) (P <.05) and from 20/200 (range 20/8 00 to 20/80) to 20/25 (range 20/40 to 20/20) (P <.05), respectively. Two ey es in the RK group and 3 in the PRK group gained 1 line of best corrected v isual acuity, and 2 eyes in the RK group lost 1 line. No sight-threatening complications such as a free flap, corneal ectasia, or a retinal complicati on occurred. There was no statistically significant difference in corneal h aze before and after LASIK. Two eyes in the RK group required repositioning of the Clap because of irregular apposition to the stromal bed. Conclusion: Laser in situ keratomileusis was sale, effective, and stable in the treatment of residual myopia after RK and PRK. J Cataract Refract Surg 2001; 27:901-906 (C) 2001 ASCRS and ESCRS.