AIM: To observe clinical effects between the laser in situ keratomileusis(LASIK)surgery and the laser subepithelial keratomileusis(LASEK)surgery as the second operation after an unsuccessful LASIK surgery.

METHODS:Forty-nine patients(98 eyes)with refractive regression after LASIK operation received the second surgery. All patients were divided into two groups: group A and B. Group A(48 eyes of 24 patients)received LASIK surgery and group B(50 eyes of 25 patients)received LASEK surgery. Inspect the main parameters included visual acuity, refraction, corneal curvature, and the total value of high-aberration after 1wk, 1mo and 1a, t-test of groups was used as statistical analysis method.

RESULTS: There was statistically significant(P<0.05)between the two groups in visual acuity after 1wk. There was no statistically significant between the two groups in visual acuity after 1mo, and there was also no statistically significant between the two groups in visual acuity, average spherical equivalent refractive degree, average corneal curvature, and the total value of high-aberration after one year(P>0.05). There developed one case of epithelium in growth after LASIK surgery, and one case of haze Ⅱ after LASEK surgery.

CONCLUSION: Both LASIK and LASEK surgery can obtain satisfactory therapeutic results after an unsuccessful LASIK surgery.