LASIK induces visual improvements faster than LASEK

Visual improvements for low myopia is significantly slower after LASEK than after LASIK, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Refractive Surgery.

Laura de Benito-Llopis and colleagues from the Vissum Corporación, Universidad de Alcalá and the Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain enrolled 79 eyes to the LASEK group and 79 eyes to the LASIK group in a prospective, interventional, non-randomized, observer-masked study. Each subject had myopia of < -2.50 D. Refractive analysis was performed preoperatively and one day, one week and one and three months postoperatively.

Postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was significantly lower in LASEK eyes at one and seven days postoperatively (p=0.0001). At one and three months, no significant differences were noted between the groups in UCVA, however, best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) at three months was significantly better in LASEK eyes (p=0.01). The refractive error was similar in both groups (p=0.3).

The researchers found that, although postoperative UCVA was similar in both groups at three months, the LASEK subjects were slower in reaching this level.