Comparision of the effect of Laser Subepithelial Keratomileusis and Laser Photorefractive Keratectomy

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of laser subepithelial keratomileusis(LASEK) and photorefractive keratectomy(PRK) for myopia patients. Methods The patients (46 cases and 92 eyes) whose two eyes were shortsighted to almost the same extent were selected for investigation. The PRK operation was performed on one eye, and the LASEK for the other. The 46 patients were divided into two groups: the eyes on which PRK performed were in a control group, and the other eyes were in a treatmemt group. The follow-up period was more than 6 months. Results No statistical difference of pain degrees in both groups was observed after operation. In the first 3 months after operation, the PRK group demonstrated both higher occurrence and worse condition in the Haze density. But the sharp difference disappeared after 6 months. The LASEK group recovered faster and more satisfactorily than the PRK group. Conclusions The investigation shows that the LASEK, with the advantages of the low incidence and less severity of Haze density and short recovery period, is a safer and better means to treat myopia than PRK.