Aim of the study: To evaluate the results of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in groups with different refractive errors.
Patients and methods: 68 LASIK procedure have been performed in the following patient groups: Group 1 (-3.0 D to -6.0 D) n = 14; Group 2 (-6.25 D to -9.0 D) n = 29; Group 3 (-9.25 D to -14.0 D) n = 13; Group 4 (eyes with hyperopic refractive error between +1.75 D and +7.5 D) n = 12. A Moria CB manual mikrokeratom was used, flap thickness was 130 microns. Excimer laser treatment was carried out with Asclepion-Meditec MEL 70 G-Scan flying spot excimer laser. Follow-up time is 6 months.
Results: The preoperative correction decreased in Group 1. from -4.45 D +/- 0.93 D (SE = spherical equivalent) to -0.04 D +/- 0.13 D, in Group 2. from -7.81 D +/- 0.98 D (SE) to -0.56 D +/- 0.9 D, in Group 3. from -11.33 D +/- 1.97 D (SE) to -1.88 D +/- 1.64 D, and in Group 4. from +4.67 D +/- 1.67 D (SE) to +0.24 D +/- 0.50 D 6 months following LASIK. The best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) decreased by 2 or more Snellen lines in 4 eyes in Group 2, in 2 eyes in Group 3, and there was no change in Group 1 and Group 4. BSCVA improved by 2 or more Snellen lines in one eye in Group 2, in 2 eyes in Group 3 and there was no change in Group 1 and in Group 4.
Conclusions: The preoperative correction decreased significantly following LASIK procedure in each patient group. The method was found to be effective, safe and durable during the 6 months follow-up. Application is recommended especially in eyes with a refractive error higher than -6.0 D due to possible intra- and early postoperative complications.