Results of combined myopic astigmatic LASIK treatment and retreatments

Purpose. A study of combined LASIK treatment and retreatment results for both myopia and myopic-astigmatic correction. Methods. Three hundred fifty-three consecutive eyes underwent LASIK surgery using the VISX Star excimer laser. Preoperative mean sphere was -6.37 ± 2.93 D with mean cylinder of +1.01 ± 0.9 D. The initial refraction of the 40 patients needing retreatment was -7.42 ± 2.49 D with a mean cylinder of +1.0 ± 0.61 D. Results. Data were analyzed in the following way: Group I: Primary treatment (all); Group II: Group I excluding retreatment; Group III: Retreatment; and Group IV: Groups II and III combined. Postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) data at 1, 3, and 6 months were: Group I: 20/40 or better 90.5%, 87.2%, and 89.5%; 20/20 or better 52.0%, 48.9% and 59.6%; Group II: 20/40 or better 95.0%, 95.2%, and 95.7%; 20/20 or better 52.0%, 62.6% and 63.8%; Group III: 20/40 or better 97.5%, 97.5%, and 100%; 20/20 or better 80%, 76% and 77%; and Group IV. 20/40 or better 97%; 20/20 or better 63% at six months. Pretreatment degree-of-myopia comparison in Group I was (0-3 D) 90% 20/20 UCVA after 6 months; (- 6- - 9 D) 60% 20/20; and (> - 12 D) 44% 20/20. Complications included 1 free flap, 1 partial flap, and 4 epithelial ingrowths. Conclusions. These results demonstrate myopic-astigmatic LASIK treatment to be safe, effective, and predictable in correcting myopia and associated astigmatisms. For patients requiring retreatment, results are excellent. Results should be reviewed after all treatments have been completed. The success rate for LASIK surgery seems to be directly related to the degree of myopia. As myopia increases, the chance of achieving 20/20 vision decreases.