Effect of laser in situ keratomileusis on vision analyzed using preoperative optical quality.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect on vision of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) based on preoperative optical quality.

SETTING

Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Terrassa, and Barcelona Institute of Ocular Microsurgery, Barcelona, Spain.

DESIGN

Comparative case series.

METHODS

The relative change in optical quality and visual acuity were evaluated in eyes that had LASIK for myopia. The optical quality was assessed before and 3 months after surgery using parameters provided by a double-pass system. Patients were classified into 4 groups by preoperative optical quality: low (Group 1), moderate (Group 2), high (Group 3), and very high (Group 4).

RESULTS

The study evaluated 25 patients (50 eyes). The optical quality parameters improved postoperatively in Group 1 and Group 2, with the improvement ranging from 15% to 21% and from 13% to 17%, respectively. The preoperative and postoperative optical quality in Group 3 was similar. The optical quality in Group 4 worsened significantly by percentages ranging from -20% to -26%. Although visual acuity had the same trend, there were no statistically significant changes.

CONCLUSION

The changes in optical quality after LASIK surgery depended on the patient's preoperative optical quality; visual acuity showed the same trend, although no change was significant.