Objective        To assess the safety

efficacy

predictability and stability of laser-assisted

in situ

keratomileusis (LASIK)

in pediatric patients with high hyperopic anisometropia

and to study its effect on long-term amblyopia efficacy after operation.       Methods       This clinical data of 61 children of 6-14 years old with high hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia who underwent LASIK from September

2 000 were retrospectively analyzed. LASIK was performed in the seriously hyperopic eyes under topical or general anesthesia using the Summit’s SVS Apex plus and the Lumenis’s Allegretto Wave. The postoperative visual acuity and refraction and the binocular vision outcomes were analyzed. The minimum duration of follow-up was 12 months

and 22 children had a 60-month follow-up.       Results        Compared with those before operation

the uncorrected distance visual acuity (0.35±0.13)

the uncorrected reading visual acuity (0.70±0.19)

the best spectacle-corrected distance visual acuity (0.48±0.18)

and the best spectacle-corrected reading visual acuity (0.81±0.18) were significantly improved at 60 months after operation (

P

<

0.05). Cycloplegic equivalent refraction changed from (+6.41±1.24) D preoperatively to (+0.61±1.43) D postoperatively (

P

<

0.05). Compared with those before operation

the proportions of patients who gained central simultaneous vision (91.7%)

central fusion (75%)

stereopsis (33.3%) and heterophoria (≤3%) significantly increased at 5 years after operation (

P

<

0.05). The loss of best spectacle-corrected distance visual acuity and reading visual acuity was not observed after 60-month follow-up.       Conclusion       LASIK is safe and effective in correcting high hyperopic anisometropia in children who are intolerant to contact lenses

and offers good safety

efficacy

predictability and stability in a long term. The curative effect of amblyopia is improved after operation.