Laser vision correction among Kuzbass miners

Background. In the structure of Kuzbass miners' ophthalmopathology, disorders of refraction and accommodation occupy the first place. Excimer laser vision correction is the only acceptable method for correcting various refractive errors that allows miners engaged in the underground coal mining to remain in their profession and continue their career. Objective. To assess the long-term results of excimer laser refractive surgery in miners to evaluate this method as a means of vocational rehabilitation. Material and methods. A survey was conducted in the main group including 135 Kuzbass miners who underwent excimer laser vision correction for professional reasons. The comparison group consisted of 135 patients of various professions unrelated to coal mining who met the general selection criteria. All the patients underwent an extended range of ophthalmologic examinations. Results. The visus in both eyes in the comparison group was 1.2 (1.0-1.2), in the group of miners - 1...