Analysis of the efficacy, predictability, and safety of LASEK for myopia and myopic astigmatism using the Technolas 217 excimer laser Andreea E. Partal, MD, Maria C. Rojas, MD, Edward E. Manche, MD Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy, predictability, and safety of laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) for the treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism. Setting: Stanford University Eye Laser Center, Stanford, California, USA. Methods: This retrospective analysis comprised 102 eyes that had LASEK for myopia using the Bausch & Lomb Technolas 217 excimer laser. Primary out- come variables including uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle- corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), manifest refraction, and complications were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months. Vector analysis was performed on eyes that received astigmatic correction. Results: The mean spherical equivalent was -7.03 diopters (D)  2.61 (SD) preoperatively, +0.19  0.64 D at 3 months, +0.23  0.82 D at 6 months, and +0.03  0.63 D at 12 months (P.001). At 3, 6, and 12 months, the UCVA was 20/20 or better in 66%, 67%, and 83% of eyes, respectively, and 20/40 or better in 98%, 99%, and 100%; 74%, 70%, and 83%, respectively, were within 0.5 D of emmetropia, and 89%, 86%, and 97%, respectively, were within 1.0 D. No eye lost more than 2 lines of BSCVA. At 3, 6, and 12 months, 10.0%, 8.7%, and 0% of eyes, respectively, had trace corneal haze. Vector analysis found a suc- cess rate of approximately 78% to 80% in achieving the astigmatic surgical cor- rection at the 3 postoperative visits. Conclusions: Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy was an effective, predict- able, and safe procedure for the treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism. Further studies are needed to determine the role of LASEK in the refractive sur- gery spectrum. J Cataract Refract Surg 2004; 30:2138–2144  2004 ASCRS and ESCRS L aser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) has Surgery News, July 15, 2000, pages 14–17). Potential benefits over PRK include less postoperative pain and recently emerged as a procedure for treating myopia that may blend the positive aspects of photorefractive corneal haze and faster visual rehabilitation and over keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis LASIK, elimination of flap complications and the ability (LASIK) while eliminating some of the complications to treat eyes with thinner corneas, larger pupils, and seen with both. The procedure was first described by other anatomical features not amenable to LASIK treat- Massimo Camellin, MD (M. Cimberle, “LASEK Has ment. Our study evaluated the efficacy, predictability, More Than 1 Year of Successful Experience,” Ocular and safety of LASEK for the treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism. Accepted for publication February 23, 2004. Reprint requests to Edward E. Manche, MD, Stanford University Patients and Methods School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, 900 Blake Wilbur A retrospective review of 102 eyes of 56 consecutive Drive, Stanford, California 94305, USA. E-mail: edward.manche@ stanford.edu. patients treated with LASEK for myopia and myopic astigma-  2004 ASCRS and ESCRS 0886-3350/04/$–see front matter Published by Elsevier Inc. doi:10.1016/j.jcrs.2004.02.083