In this article, the authors present their findings concerning the usage of the LASIK method in 1,602 cases of myopia. The LASIK procedure is shown to be a very effective and safe method in a high percentage of cases. All operations were performed under topical anesthesia with Oxybuprocain 0.4% and Lidocain 2.0%. Uncorrected visual acuity is used as the main criterion in assessing the effectiv- ness of refractive procedures, and our average values of improvement were from 0.08 pre-operatively to 1.01 post-operatively. The average spherical equivalent was improved from a pre-operative value of -5.74 D to a post-operative one of 0.26 D. Emetropy was achieved in 89% of cases, 8.5% of cases were undercorrected and 2.5% overcorrected.

        Key words: myopia, excimer laser, LASIK, laser photoablation, corneal flap.