Retinal peripheral changes after LASIK

Abstract

PURPOSE:To better define the effect of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) on myopic eyes and the risk and incidence of retinal complications after surgery.METHODS: In a prospective study, 200 eyes of 100 patients, 49 male and 51 female, with a mean age of 29.7 years, had a complete posterior pole examination before and at 1 week, 1, 3 and 12 months after bilateral simultaneous LASIK for the correction of myopia. Mean spherical equivalent was -7.75D (range 1.00 to -17.25D). Before LASIK, preventive treatment was carried out on predisposing lesions to retinal complications, with laser photocoagulation. RE: Before surgery, the ophthalmic features were: 86 eyes (43%) presented no peripheral abnormalities; 49 eyes (24.5%) had lattice degeneration; 18 eyes (9%), white without pressure; 5 eyes (2.5%), white with pressure; 33 (16.5%), oral chorioretinal degenerations; 6 (3%), paving stone; 45 (22.5%,) posterior vitreous detachment; 20 (10%), retinal vitreous traction; and 12 (6%), round holes. Comparing the incidence of ophthalmic features before and at one year after surgery, there was not a statistical significant difference (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Although retinal pathologic conditions have been described as complications after LASIK, our data did not reveal a cause-effect relationship between the refractive error corrective procedure and retinal complications. The retinal changes found after LASIK in this series of patients, appear to reflect the predisposition of myopes. Both patient and doctor should be aware that, even after the refractive error correction, the risk of complications related to the myopic eye would persist.