Five-year evaluation of laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia

Objective To evaluate long-term refractive outcomes of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for all levels of myopia.Methods This was a retrospective case series study.One hundred twenty-five eyes of 68 patients who underwent LASIK for myopia and completed over 5 years of follow-up were included in the study.Based on the preoperative spherical equivalent refraction,the eyes were divided into 2 groups.Group A eyes ranged between-0.75 and-6.00 diopters (D) (mild-to-moderate myopia).Group B eyes ranged between-6.12 and-13.25 D (severe myopia).Before and at 1 month,6 months,1 year and 5 years after the operation,uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA),best corrected visual acuity (BCVA),slit-lamp biomicroscopy of the anterior segment,indirect ophthalmoscopy and topography were measured.At the time of the last follow-up,all patients completed a questionnaire assessing their satisfaction with the procedure.Data were analyzed using x2 test and paired t test.Results Uncorrected visual acuity ≥0.5 in groups A and B was obtained in 100％ and 96％ of eyes,and spherical equivalent refraction within ±1.00 D was obtained in 93％ and 84％ of eyes at 5 years.Spherical equivalent refraction in groups A and B was-0.021±0.65 D and-0.33±0.80 D,respectively,at five years.The differences compared with 1-year outcomes after the operation were not statistically significant.BCVA was unchanged or improved in 82％ of all eyes (103/125).Overall,only 1 epithelial ingrowth and l free partial flap were identified as complications from LASIK.Refraction did not regress in either group between 1 and 5 years.Late-onset complications attributable to LASIK were not observed at the 5-year follow-up,and patient satisfaction with the procedure was high.Conclusion A long-term follow-up study of patients after undergoing LASIK for myopia shows it is a safe and effective procedure in correcting all levels of myopia.Complications were rare and patient satisfaction with the surgery was high.Refractive stability was maintained over the 5-year period.Late-onset complications attributable to LASIK were not noted. Key words: Keratomileusis,laser in situ; Myopia; Treatment outcome; Effectiveness; Safty