Refractive Stability and Ocular Biometric Changes After Customized LASEK for Correction of Myopia; 8 Years Follow up

Abstract BACKGROUND: To assess long-term Visual and refractive stability and ocular biometric changes in low to moderate myopic subjects treated by customized LASEK. METHODS: Seventy eyes of 35 patients were treated by customized LASEK for correction of less than 6 diopter myopia in this cohort study. Uncorrected visual acuities (UCVA) and distance corrected visual acuities (DCVA), keratometry values and ocular biometric data by Lenstar LS900 including anterior chamber depth (ACD), aqueous depth, central corneal thickness(CCT),lens thickness(LT) and axial length(AL) were evaluated pre and 8 years postoperatively. RESULTS: Mean pre-operative spherical equivalent was -3.99 ±1.38 diopter (D) that improved to 0.01 ±0.27 D and -0.10 ±0.31 D, 6 months and 8 years postoperative respectively. Mean pachymetry, flat, steep and mean keratometry values increased significantly from 6 months to 8 years postoperative. Although, these changes had no significant effect on visual outcomes and subjective refraction. ACD decreased and LT increased significantly over 8 years follow-up in comparison with preoperative values. The change in AL was not significant at 8 years follow up.CONCLUSIONS: The long-term visual and refractive outcomes of customized LASEK in correction of low to moderate myopia were stable and predictable, although changes in ocular biometric parameters have occurred.