Laser subepithelial keratomileusis to correct residual myopia after excimer laser in situ keratomileusis

Objective To explore the effectiveness and safety of laser subepthelial keratomileusis(LASEK) for correction of residual myopia after excimer laser in situ keratomileusis(LASIK).Methods 36 eyes of 21 patients were treated with LASEK for residual myopia after LASIK.Mean preoperative spherical equivalent(SE) was(-1.98±0.65)D,mean stromal thickness was(256.17±18.46)μm;mean corneal ablation depth was(36.58±11.24)μm.Results At 6 months postoperatively,the uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA) was more than 1.0 in 22 eyes(61.1%),more than 0.8 in 31 eyes(86.1%),more than 0.5 in 36 eyes(100%).Mean SE refraction was(-0.18±0.53)D.There were no cases that had a reduced value for best corrected visual acuity.Postoperative uncorrected visual acuity improved significantly(P0.05) in comparison to preoperative eyes. Corneal haze was at 0 grade in 29 eyes(80.6%),0.5 grade in 5 eyes(13.9%),and 1 grade in 2 eyes(5.6%).Conclusion LASEK is an effective and safe treatment for correction of residual myopia after LASIK.A long follow-up period is currently in progress.