Laser assisted in situ keratomileusis for high myopia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We present the clinical results of laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) to correct myopia of more than - 10.00 diopters (D). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighteen eyes are included in this study. Pre-operative spherical equivalent was -16.40 D, range from -10.50 to -21.50 D. Hinge corneal cap techniques were used with automated microkeratome (Steinway, USA). The thickness of the flap was 130 μm. The stromal bed was ablated with the OmniMed II excimer laser, using the standard MKM program (Summit Technology, Inc., Waltham, MA). The ablation zone was between 4.2 and 5.0 mm. RESULTS: At 6 months postoperatively, the mean spherical equivalent was +0.14 D with a range of +3.50 to -2.00 D. A result within 2.00 D of the desired correction was achieved in 93% of eyes, while a result within 1.00 D was achieved in 47%. Uncorrected visual acuity was improved in all cases. One eye lost greater than two lines of pre-operative best corrected vision due to macular hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: These data show that the LASIK procedure appears to be effective for correcting high myopia.