PURPOSE: To compare the visual results after laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the treatment of myopia.
DESIGN: Retrospective, nonrandomized study.
METHODS: 428 eyes that underwent LASEK or LASIK treatment were reviewed. Patients who were 18 years of age or older having between and diopters (D) of myopia were included. 226 LASEK-treated eyes were compared to 202 LASIK-treated eyes. Both groups had similar preoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), laser platform, and follow-up durations.
RESULTS: Preoperatively, the mean sphere and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) were versus and versus in LASEK and LASIK, respectively. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was versus in LASEK and LASIK, respectively, at one month after surgery. BSCVA was and , respectively, at three months after surgery. No eye lost 2 or more lines of BSCVA in both groups.
CONCLUSION: Slight differences in the refractive and visual results between LASEK and LASIK were noted. Both procedures are effective, predictable and safe.