In:
Journal of Refractive Surgery, SLACK, Inc., Vol. 20, No. 6 ( 2004-11), p. 803-809
Abstract:
ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To evaluate the ocular surface changes in patients with laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) -induced neurotrophic epitheliopathy. METHODS: Seven consecutive patients with LASIK-induced neurotrophic epitheliopathy were studied prospectively and compared to a control group (seven consecutive patients who had LASIK-but without neurotrophic epitheliopathy). Bilateral sequential LASIK was performed at a 1-week interval; the first operated eye of each patient was considered for statistical analysis. Blinking, corneal sensitivity, tear break-up time, tear secretion and clearance were measured preoperatively (T 0 ) and postoperatively at 1 week after surgery on the first eye (T 1 ), and 1 week (T 2 ), 1 month (T 3 ), and 3 months (T 4 ) after surgery was performed on the second eye. RESULTS: Laser in situ keratomileusis-induced neurotrophic epitheliopathy occurred bilaterally in all patients. During follow-up, patients with LASIK-induced neurotrophic epitheliopathy showed a significant decrease in blinking (P=.0002), which was not observed in cases without LASIK. Compared to eyes without LASIK-induced neurotrophic epitheliopathy, those with LASIK-induced neurotrophic epitheliopathy revealed lower values of sensitivity in the central cornea preoperatively and early post-operatively (T 0 , P=.004; T 1 , P=.003; T 2 , P=.003). A trend towards reduced sensitivity was also detected in the central cornea in late follow-up and in the superior, temporal, and nasal sectors of the flap at all examinations. No significant differences were observed in break-up time, tear secretion, or clearance within or between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Decreased blinking seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of LASIK-induced neurotrophic epitheliopathy. The reduction probably depends on the lower levels of corneal sensitivity and induces the epitheliopathy by increasing the ocular surface exposure. [J Refract Surg 2004;20:803-809]
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1081-597X
DOI:
10.3928/1081-597X-20041101-08
Language:
English
Publisher:
SLACK, Inc.
Publication Date:
2004
Permalink