To evaluate the safety and efficacy of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) after removal of intrastromal corneal ring segments (Intacs, KeraVision, Fremont, CA) from the cornea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Single-center, noncomparative, interventional, consecutive case series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nine eyes of nine consecutive patients who had undergone LASIK after Intacs of experimental design removal were analyzed for this study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A standard LASIK procedure was performed with the Nidek EC 5000 excimer laser (Nidek, Gamagori, Japan) at intervals between 4 and 10 months after Intacs explantation. A Nidek MK 2000 microkeratome (Nidek, Gamagori, Japan) or a Chiron Automated Corneal Shaper (Bausch & Lomb, Claremont, CA) with a 130- to 180-microm thickness plate was used to create a nasal hinged flap in a plane superficial to the previous Intacs channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Uncorrected visual acuity, manifest refraction, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, and topography were measured preoperatively and at months 1, 3, 6, and 12 after LASIK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faint residual scarring in the channels after Intacs removal was seen in all patients. No difficulties were encountered during the ablation or flap replacement. Eight of nine patients had 20\/20 or better uncorrected visual acuity after a single LASIK procedure. Mean spherical equivalent at 12 months was -0.6, ranging from -1.25 to +0.25 diopter. One patient had glare develop secondary to superior corneal thinning and scarring after implantation of a nonstandard Intacs. No patient lost lines of best spectacle-corrected vision after LASIK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reversibility of the myopic Intacs is demonstrated. Removal of Intacs may be followed by a safe and effective LASIK for low to moderate myopia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n