Our initial outcome [abstract]

ABSTRACT

We have been using an Excimer Laser with flying spot technology to perform LASIK for the past 3 months. Both eyes are treated at the same sitting unless surgery is indicated in only one. Thirty-one patients have been treated, 30 had both eyes done while one had only one. The author has been privileged to follow the progress of 32 eyes of 16 patients. Target correction was achieved in 72 percent; correction acceptable to patient in 87.5 percent, enhancements were required in (4 eyes) 12.5 percent. Follow-up extended over 2 weeks to 3 months. Refractive errors corrected hyperopia (two eyes), myopia (2 eyes) hyperopic astigmatism (10), myopic astigmatism (14), mixed astigmatism (4) Range of errors -850 DS to + 300 DS, and up to -4.25 DC. Age ranged from 26-68yrs; with 2 patients in their 60s and 3 in their 40s. Pre-operative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 for distance and 20/20 for near, in all eyes. No loss of BCVA was recorded. COMPLICATIONS AND SIDE EFFECTS One eye suffered a button-hole flap leading to minor off-axis scarring. Uncorrected vision of 20/20 for near was achieved as desired. One patient needs spectacles for glare at night. One patient is experiencing fluctuating vision at 2 weeks post op. (20/20 to 20/40). One eye with undesired astigmatism of -1.75 DC. Undercorrection in one eye myopic ending -0.75; -1.50 being desired. These results have been very encouraging. The patients came from businesses and professional groups with one office clerk, an airline pilot and a sporting personality. With enhancements and the development of personal nomograms, a high success rate is anticipated. (AU)