Philippine Journal of Ophthalmology (Jun 2005)
Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for high myopia
Abstract
EXCIMER laser vision correction in the form of LASIK and PRK/LASEK has been proved to be highly effective and safe in the treatment of low to moderate myopia (less than –6 diopters [D]) and astigmatism. It is the most common refractive-surgery procedure done worldwide. However, the outcome of laser vision correction among those with high myopia (greater than –6D) may not be the same as in those with low to moderate myopia. CLINICAL SCENARIO: A 26-year-old, female, myopic patient unhappy with spectacle correction and contact lenses heard about LASIK and sought opinion regarding the probability of her achieving 20/20 vision. Her last refraction was –7.00 sphere –1.00 cylinder x 100 in the right eye (OD) and –9.00 sphere –0.50 cylinder x 90 in the left eye (OS). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 OD and 20/20 OS. Her refraction has been stable for 5 years. CLINICAL QUESTION: The patient has high myopia and is concerned about her chances of seeing 20/20 after undergoing laser vision correction. Among patients with high myopia, how effective is LASIK in achieving 20/20 vision? SEARCH METHOD: An electronic literature search was performed using MEDLINE (PubMed). The following search terms were used: “Myopia,” “LASIK,” “laser in situ keratomileusis,” “technology assessment.” The search was further limited to the English language and human studies published from 1968 to April 2005. The search yielded 5 articles but only one was relevant to the clinical question. CITATION: Sugar A, Rapuano CJ, Culbertson WW, et al. Laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia and astigmatism: safety and efficacy. A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Ophthalmology 2002; 109:175-187.
