Laser in situ keratomileusis vs. laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASIK vs. LASEK).

PURPOSE: To compare results of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) for the treatment of myopia.

METHODS: Two groups of fifteen patients (30 eyes) each were assigned to either the LASIK group or the LASEK group. LASIK procedure: A Hansatome microkeratome with the ring at 9.5 mm was used to create the corneal flap (depth, 160 microm). The myopic correction was then registered on the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser and the appropriate ablation performed. LASEK procedure: Twenty percent ethyl alcohol was placed within the corneal epithelial ring. An intact epithelial flap was retracted. The Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser was applied in a similar manner to the LASIK procedure. Patients from both groups were followed postoperatively for 6 months, measuring best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and corneal topographic meridians of 3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm.

RESULTS: Comparing corneal topography, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity data, refractive results in the LASEK group were better than the LASIK group.

CONCLUSION: Objective data show that with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser, the LASEK method of corneal splitting may prove superior to the LASIK method.