Clinical Investigation On The Contrast Sensitivity After Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis And Laser In Keratomileusis

Purpose: To evaluate the changes in contrast sensitivity after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and Laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) for myopia.Methods: In this prospective nonrandomized study, 48 myopic patients with and without astigmatism were treated by LASIK or LASEK for myopia. Including 24 patients (48 eyes) for LASEK and 24 patients (48 eyes) for LASIK. Patients were measured with F. A. C. T (Stereo optical) chart before and 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year respectively after LASIK and LASEK except normal items.Results: The CS of every space frequency band was lower than the preoperative levels after LASIK in 1 month and 3 months, the CS of every space frequency band recovered in 6 months after surgery. whereas in LASEK the CS of every space frequency band was lower than the preoperative levels in 1 month after surgery, the CS of every space frequency band recovered in 3 months later. The CS of every space frequency band was not statistically significant before surgery among the two groups. However the CS of every space frequency band was statistically significant(p<0.05) between LASIK and LASEK groups in 1 month,3 months, 6 months and 1 year after durgery. the CS after LASEK was higher than after LASIK.Conclusion: LASEK has a lower impact on contrast sensitivity than LASIK and better visual quality than LASIK in correcting myopia.