Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and benefit of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for correction of anisometropic amblyopia.
Methods: LASER was performed in 21 eyes of 21 anisometropic amblyopes with a mean age of 27.71 ± 12.24 years. Three patients were less than 18 years of age. LASIK was performed in the more myopic and amblyopic eye using the Chiron Automated Corneal Shaper microkeratome and the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser system.
Results: Results of 3-month follow-up are presented. Preoperative mean manifest spherical equivalent refraction was -13.20 ± 3.84 D (range, -5.25 to -20.00 D). Mean attempted correction was -12.28 ± 3.47 D. Mean postoperative refraction at 3 months was -0.78 ± 1.63 D. Postoperative uncorrected visual acuity improved by 2 or more lines in all patients and was the same or better than preoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity in 95.2% of eyes. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved by 1 or more lines in 61.9% of eyes. The 12-year-old child had a gain of more than 4 lines of uncorrected visual acuity.
Conclusion: LASIK was a good alternative to contact lenses in adults for anisometropia and resulted in a gain of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. In children it may be an alternative method of treatment for amblyopia. [J Refract Surg 2000;16(suppl):S264-S267].
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