Article
Tear-film function and corneal sensitivity after LASEK for the correction of myopia
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Published: | September 22, 2004 |
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Outline
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Objective
Subepithelial nerves and stromal nerves in the cornea are damaged during LASEK surgery for the correction of myopia. This leads to a reduction of corneal sensation and to alterations of the tear film function in the postoperative period. The aim of this study was to evaluate tear film function, corneal sensation and subjective symptoms of a dry eye in the early postoperative period after LASEK for the correction of myopia.
Methods
LASEK surgery was performed in 20 eyes of 10 consecutive patients for the correction of myopia (-1.0 D to -8.0 D, mean -4.86 D). Subjective symptoms of a dry eye were evaluated with a standardized questionnaire. Schirmer Test with and without local anaesthesia, tear film breakup time, fluorescein staining of the cornea (Oxford scheme) and corneal esthesiometry (Cochet Bonnet) were performed before surgery and 3 days, 1 week, 1 month, 2 months and 3 months after LASEK.
Results
Corneal sensation is reduced 3 days and 1 week after LASEK and recovers during the 1 month after LASEK. The tear film breakup time is reduced 3 days, 1 week and 1 month after LASEK and reaches preoperative values 2 months after surgery. Fluorescein staining was increased 3 days and 1 week after LASEK. Subjective complaints of a dry eye were increased 3 days, 1 week, 1 month and 2 months after LASEK. Concerning the Schirmer Test with and without anaesthesia no significant changes were assessed after surgery as compared to preoperative values.
Conclusions
LASEK alters ocular surface hemostasis and reduces corneal sensation in the early postoperative period. Subjective symptoms of a dry eye were discribed during the first 2 months after surgery. 3 months after LASEK no statistically significant changes were observed concerning the assessed parameters as compared to preoperative values.