The risk for refractive regression after LASIK was increased in patients with chronic dry eye.

From these results, there is sufficient preliminary data to warrant further study of the effects of antibacterial honey in chronic ocular surface diseases.

ObjectiveTo assess the use of remote telemedicine ophthalmology in patients presenting to an emergency department with acute eye problems. DesignA prospective review from 1 December 1996 to 28 February 1997 of referral patterns and telemedicine consultations, comparing referral patterns with the same period one year before. Participants and setting24 patients presenting to the emergency department of a remote base hospital in Queensland with an acute ophthalmological problem requiring a specialist opinion. Main outcome measuresClinical outcomes; use of the Patient Transit Scheme for isolated patients; acceptability to patients and doctors; and ophthalmologists' opinions of the system. ResultsNo adverse outcomes were identified. Patients transferred for urgent assessment fell from 17 for the corresponding period in the previous year to four during the study period, while respective numbers of patients requiring non‐urgent transfers (for surgery or postoperative review) during the same periods were 41 and 30. Both patients and staff (including the ophthalmologists) found the telemedicine facility very acceptable. ConclusionOphthalmology is well suited to telemedicine for the diagnosis and management of acute conditions and postoperative assessment of patients in remote areas. It offers considerable potential benefits to patients, and enhances the skills of local practitioners.

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for hyperopia on the tear film and ocular surface. METHODS: A retrospective 12-month analysis of 88 eyes (88 participants) who had LASLK for hyperopia was performed. Participants were evaluated before and after (2 weeks, 1, 3, ?, and 12 months) surgery for dry eye symptoms (McMonnies Dry Eye Survey primary symptoms), tear film stability (fluorescein break-up time), tear volume (phenol red thread test), ocular surface staining (fluorescein), and conjunctival goblet cell density. RESULTS: Chronic dry eye was experienced by 32% of participants; symptoms were significantly associated with female gender, preoperative dry eye symptoms, lower tear film stability after surgery, greater ocular surface staining after surgery, lower tear volume before and after surgery, and lower goblet cell densities after surgery. Regression rate 12 months after surgery was 32% and significantly associated with female gender, chronic dry eye symptoms, lower tear film stability after surgery, greater ocular surface staining before and after surgery, and lower tear volume before and after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Dry eye, particularly in females, is problematic after LASLK for hyperopia and is associated with refractive regression. Current methods for managing the tear film and ocular surface may not control LASLK-induced dry eye, particularly in some females during the first 6 months after surgery. [J Refract Surg 2002;18:113-123]

The risk of chronic dry eye after LASIK was significantly higher in Asian eyes. Contributing factors could include racial differences in eyelid and orbital anatomy, tear film parameters and blinking dynamics and higher attempted refractive corrections in Asian eyes.