AIM:To make comparison of the results from the femtosecond lenticule extraction(FLEx)with that from the conventional laser in situ keratomileusis(LASIK)for the correction of moderate and high myopia and myopic astigmatism.

METHODS:In the prospective study, 86 cases(172 eyes)with moderate and high myopia astigmatism were enrolled recruited. The myopia degree was -3.00～ -10.00D, the astigmatism degree ≤-6.00D. Eighty-six eyes were treated with FLEx in group A, and 86 eyes were treated with LASIK in group B. All patients in the treatment group completed the final 6mo of follow-up. The uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA)and the best spectacle-corrected visual acuity(BSCVA), objective and manifest refractions, results of slit-lamp examination, the side effects, the corneal flap thickness, intraocular pressure, corneal topography were noted.

RESULTS:Six months postoperatively, the difference between group A and B in BSCVA increases more than one line had statistical significance(χ²=20.67, P<0.05). The difference between group A and B in diopters within ±0.50D(83.7% in group A, 53.4% in group B)had statistical significance(P<0.05). 100% UCVA was equal or greater than 1.0 in group A, 90.7% in group B, there were significant diffirences between two groups(χ²=16.62, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: FLEx has more perfect accuracy, safety, predictability compared to standard LASIK.