Ten-year follow-up of epikeratophakia for the correction of high myopia

To determine the long-term functional results of epikeratophakia for myopic patients. Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. Twenty-two patients (32 eyes; average age, 43±6 years) who underwent epikeratophakia surgery for high myopia. Mean preoperative myopia was −18.74±9.16 diopters (D; range, −7 D to −49 D). Follow-up was 12±2 years. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), change in mean keratometry, visual acuity under glare conditions, BCVA versus potential acuity meter reading, and patient satisfaction with the visual outcome. Mean preoperative UCVA increased from 20/800±20/400 (range, counting fingers–20/400) to 20/80±20/200 (range, 20/250–20/32) in 24 eyes. Mean preoperative BCVA of 20/32±20/64 increased only in five eyes, whereas six eyes had no change and 18 eyes had a more than one line loss of Snellen BCVA. Mean preoperative keratometry reading decreased from 43.67±0.90 D (range, 41.0–46.25 D) to 37.40±2.92 D (range, 29.43–47.68 D). In the presence of glare, mean BCVA decreased to 20/100±20/100 (range, counting fingers–20/32). Potential acuity meter (PAM) readings were significantly ( P