[Second operation after laser in situ keratomileusis].

Objective: To compare clinical results between the laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery and the laser subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) surgery as the second operation after an unsuccessful LASIK surgery.

Methods: Thirty one patients (62 eyes) with refractive regression or under-correction after LASIK operation received the second surgery. Thirty eyes received LASIK surgery (group A) and 32 eyes received LASEK surgery (group B). The follow-up period was one year. The main parameters included visual acuity, refraction, corneal curvature, and the total value of high-aberration.

Results: The difference in visual acuity in one week postoperation between both group was statistically significant (t = 5.21, P < 0.01), the acuity of LASEK group (0.57 ± 0.11) was obviously lower LASIK group (0.79 ± 0.21). There is no difference in acuity between both group in 1 month and 1 year postop. The difference in uncorrected visual acuity, average spherical equivalent refractive degree, average corneal curvature, and the total value of high-aberration between both group 1 year after operation was statistically not significant. Uncorrected visual acuity (A group 0.84 ± 0.15, B group 0.82 ± 0.11, t = 0.60), average spherical equivalent refractive degree (A group -0.34 ± 1.15, B group -0.32 ± 1.13, t = -0.07), average corneal curvature (A group 37.87 ± 1.95, B group 38.47 ± 2.15, t = -1.15), the total value of high-aberration (A group 0.45 ± 0.11, B group 0.48 ± 0.13, t = -0.98). One patient developed epithelium ingrowth after LASIK surgery. One patient suffered from 2+ haze after LASEK surgery.

Conclusion: Both LASIK and LASEK surgery can obtain satisfactory therapeutic results after an unsuccessful LASIK surgery.