Laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia of -1.50 to -6.00 diopters.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the correction of low and moderate myopia and astigmatism using the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser with a modified algorithm.

METHODS: Three hundred and ninety-six eyes of 257 patients with myopia ranging from -1.50 to -6.00 D and astigmatism of no more than 4.00 D were included. Manifest spherical equivalent refraction, uncorrected and spectacle-corrected visual acuity were assessed at 1 month (357 eyes, 90%), 3 months (220 eyes, 56%), and 6 months (168 eyes, 42%) after LASIK.

RESULTS: Mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was -3.60 +/- 1.27 D and mean cylinder was -1.01 +/- 1.08 D. Mean postoperative spherical equivalent refraction was -0.12 +/- 0.31 D and mean cylinder was -0.19 +/- 0.33 D. At 6 months follow-up, 158 eyes (94%) had a mean postoperative spherical equivalent refraction within +/- 0.50 D of emmetropia; 168 eyes (100%) were within +/- 1.00 D. Uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 81% (136 eyes) and 20/40 or better in 100%. Two eyes (1.2%) lost 1 line of spectacle-corrected visual acuity due to a decentered ablation. No eye lost 2 or more lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity.

CONCLUSION: Our modified LASIK algorithm with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser resulted in safe and predictable outcomes for treatment of low and moderate amounts of myopia and astigmatism.