LASEK compares favorably with LASIK in contrast sensitivity

BARCELONA, Spain — Laser epithelial keratomileusis yields remarkably better results on contrast sensitivity than LASIK, according to a presentation given here during the winter meeting of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.

“We assumed that the better contrast sensitivity in LASEK might somehow be connected with the surface of the cornea. We have now reached the conclusion that the crucial factor must be in the interface of the LASIK flap,” said Ermanno Scerrati, MD.

Dr. Scerrati's study included 30 eyes of 15 patients with myopia ranging from 4 D to 10 D. Eyes with higher pachymetry values underwent LASIK, with the fellow eye undergoing LASEK. All patients were followed for 6 months postoperatively and were evaluated for visual acuity, refraction and contrast sensitivity.

“Visual recovery was faster with LASIK,” Dr. Scerrati said. “At 3 months, however, there was no difference in best corrected visual acuity between the two groups, and all patients had BCVA equal to or better than preoperatively.”

Uncorrected visual acuity showed a different progression in the two procedures, however. LASIK patients had excellent UVCA results 15 days after surgery, but a gradual decrease between 1 and 6 months postop. Conversely, LASEK showed a smaller gain in the first 15 days followed by a progressive increase during the following period.

There were similar findings in contrast sensitivity. “Two weeks after treatment, the LASIK group had better contrast sensitivity than the other set of patients. However, starting from month 2, there was a noticeable, progressive decrease up to month 6. LASEK, on the other hand, produced exactly the inverse process: starting at month 1, contrast sensitivity gradually improved up to month 6,” Dr. Scerrati said. He plans to extend his study for a full year to confirm his results.

More about Dr. Scerrati's study can be found in the April 15 print edition of Ocular Surgery News U.S. Edition.