laser sub-epithelial keratectomy vs laser in situ keratomileusis for correction of myopia

purpose: to compare long-term results of excimer laser sub-epithelial keratectomy (lasek) and laser in situ keratomileusis (lasik) for low to moderate myopia. methods: in a comparative case series, visual outcomes in 415 lasik-treated eyes (212 patients) and 359 lasek-treated eyes (194 patients) with myopia ranging from -1.5 to -5 diopters (d) and astigmatism up to -2.75 d using a flying spot excimer laser (technolas 217) by a single surgeon were analyzed. patients were divided into mild and moderate myopia. uncorrected and corrected visual acuity, manifest refraction, and complications were evaluated. results: patients' age ranged from 19 to 47 years. uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 89.3% of lasek treated eyes and 90.7% of lasik treated eyes at about 2 years follow-up (p>0.05). spherical equivalent within ±0.5 d of emmetropia was achieved in 83.3% of eyes in the lasek group and 84.7% of eyes in the lasik group (p>0.05). none of the eyes lost 2 or more lines of bcva. conclusion: lasek is a safe and effective procedure that provides excellent refractive and visual results with no serious complications. it can be considered as an alternative refractive surgery for correction of low to moderate myopia.