BACKGROUND: Laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) is a new keratorefractive 
procedure for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism, which may combine 
advantages and eliminate disadvantages of photorefractive keratectomy (e.g. 
pain, corneal haze) and laser in situ keratomileusis (e.g. flap and interface 
complications, dry eye, keratectasia). We present the results of 108 
consecutively LASEK-treated eyes with a follow-up period of 12 months.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: LASEK was performed on 108 consecutive eyes with myopia or 
myopic astigmatism using a keracor 117 excimer laser. The mean preoperative 
refraction was -4.12+/-1.30 diopters (D) spherical equivalent range: -1.75 to 
-6.0 D and maximal cylinder was 3.25 D. Results of the 12 months visit are 
available for 101 eyes (93.5%).
RESULTS: No serious complications were observed. After 12 months, SE was within 
+/-1.0 D of emmetropia in 96% and within +/-0.5 D in 86% of the eyes; 6 eyes had 
to be retreated. None of the eyes showed haze worse than grade 1 or lost more 
than one line of best-corrected visual acuity. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) 
was > or =20/20 in 80% and > or =20/40 in 98%.
CONCLUSIONS: Laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) seems to be safe and 
effective in treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism of up to -6.0 D. 
Preliminary results compare favourably with those after photorefractive 
keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis. Haze formation after LASEK seems 
to be low. Coverage of the stromal wound with a vital epithelial flap could 
positively influence postoperative wound healing reactions.