Effect of sodium fluorescein strip application on cornea parameters commonly used in laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis

Abstract

To assess the effect of sodium fluorescein (NaF) strip on corneal parameters commonly used in Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Eighty-six subjects (172 eyes) scheduled for LASIK were recruited between January and March 2022. The study and statistical analysis test were conducted in April 2022. Topographic measurements of corneal parameters, including central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior keratometric (K) readings (K1, flat keratometry; K2, steep keratometry), horizontal corneal diameter (white to white, WTW), and corneal asphericity (Q value), were obtained using a Scheimpflug device (Pentacam) before and 10 min after NaF strip treatmentThe Pentacam recorded a small significant increase in CCT (mean 538.88 ± 28.78 μm to 547.90 ± 29.94 μm; p < .001), with no differences in K1 and K2 (mean 42.24 ± 1.35D to 42.24 ± 1.35D, and mean 43.34 ± 1.50D to 43.32 ± 1.51D; P > .05, for all) as well as WTW(mean 11.58 ± 0.32 mm to 11.58 ± 0.32 mm, P > .05) before and after NaF strip intervention. Furthermore, there was no significant difference was observed in Q value (mean − 0.30 ± 0.13 to − 0.30 ± 0.14, P > .05). These results indicate that clinicians should avoid NaF strip application before obtaining precise topographic measurements of cornea parameters using the Pentacam.