Contrast sensitivity after LASIK, LASEK, and wavefront-guided LASEK with the VISX S4 laser

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes in contrast sensitivity and glare after corneal refractive surgery for moderate myopia. METHODS: The study comprised 267 eyes of 149 patients who underwent LASIK, laser epithelia[ keratomileusis (LASEK), or wavefront-guided LASEK with the VISX STAR S4. Contrast sensitivity was measured with VCTS 6500 before surgery and at 2 and 6 months postoperatively. Glare was evaluated using questionnaires and the ALC glare test at last follow-up. Contrast sensitivity at 2 and 6 months was compared with preoperative contrast sensitivity in each group. Glare sensitivity in each group was compared to normal controls. RESULTS: Contrast sensitivity did not change after LASIK (P >.05). Contrast sensitivity of 3 and 6 cylces per degree (cpd) at 2 months increased after LASEK (P <.05) and contrast sensitivity of 6, 12, and 18 cpd at 2 months and 3, 6, 12, and 18 cpd at 6 months improved in wavefront-guided LASEK (P <.05). Glare test and questionnaires did not show any significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Wavefront-guided LASEK induced significant increases in contrast sensitivity of moderate myopes at high spatial frequencies under mesopic conditions by 6 months. Glare was not affected by the different refractive procedures.