Laser in situ Keratomileusis Retreatment for Residual Myopia and Astigmatism

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual and refractive results of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) retreatment on eyes with residual myopia with or without astigmatism. METHODS: LASIK retreatment was performed on 35 eyes of 23 patients for correction of residual myopia, with or without astigmatism, with a mean manifest spherical equivalent refraction of -2.17 ± 0.82 D (range, -1.00 to -3.87 D) and mean refractive astigmatism of -0.55 ± 0.61 D (range, 0 to -1.75 D). Retreatment was performed 3 to 18 months after primary LASDX (mean, 5.1 ± 2.6 mo). The corneal flap of the previous LASIK was lifted and laser ablation was performed using the ChironTechnolas Keracor 116 excimer laser. Follow-up was 12 months for all eyes. RESULTS: At 1 year after retreatment, manifest spherical equivalent refraction was reduced to a mean -0.23 ± 0.28 D (range, 0 to -0.87 D), and refractive astigmatism was reduced to a mean -0.16 ± 0.25 D (range, 0 to -0.75 D). Thirty-two eyes (91.5%) had a manifest spherical equivalent refraction within ±0.50 D of emmetropia, and 33 eyes (94.3%) had 0 to 0.50 D of refractive astigmatism. Uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 11 eyes (31.4%). Spectacle-corrected visual acuity was not reduced in any eye after retreatment. There were no significant complications. CONCLUSION: LASEK retreatment was effective for correction of residual myopia or astigmatism after primary LASDX. Refractive results were predictable with good stability after 3 months. Lifting the flap during LASDX retreatment was relatively easy to perform and did not result in visual morbidity in eyes treated from 3 up to 18 months after primary LASIK. [J Refract Surg 2000;16:170-176]