Curative effect of laser subepithelial keratomileusis for high myopia with 5 years following up

Objective To evaluate the long-term efficacy of laser subepithelial keratomileusis(LASEK)for high myopia after 5 years followed up.Methods LASEK was performed on 101 cases(193 eyes) with high myopia in our department from October 2002 to November 2003.The average myopic degree was(-11.61±2.83)D(-8.00～-23.00 D).The average corneal thickness was(510.33±26.72)μm (460～579 μm).All patients were followed up for 5 years.The postoperative visual acuity,diopter,the best corrected visual acuity,corneal topography,slit lamp examination and complications were investigated.All data were recorded in 3 months,6 months,1 year,2 years and 5 years postoperatively.Results After 5 years followed up,spherical equivalent of 138 eyes(71.50%) of 193 eyes were within ±1.00 D and 152 eyes(78.56%) were within ±2.00 D.The mean spherical equvalent slightly decreased(myopic regression) over 5 years with a mean myopic regression of(0.20±0.31)D per year.Uncorrected vision acuity was 1.0 or better in 50 eyes,and was 0.6 or better in 125 eyes.Uncorrected vision acuity of 36 eyes improved and 43 eyes decreased 2 lined or more comparing to preoperative best corrected visual acuity.The incidence rate of haze was 35.75% at the early stage of operation,and most was 0.5 grade.Postoperative corneal Diff value averaged in(0.072±0.024)mm,and no keratoconus was found.Conclusion The long-term efficacy of LASEK is safe and effective for high myopia,but there is slight regression of diopter with the time prolonging.