Subclinical inflammation after laser in situ keratomileusis

Anterior segment inflammation and its association with dry eye parameters following myopic SMILE and FS-LASIK

PURPOSE

To evaluate dry eye and anterior segment inflammation after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK), and investigate their association.

METHODS

This prospective and observational study included 96 eyes from 48 myopic patients. The evaluation was performed at baseline, postoperative day 1, week 1, month 1 and month 3. Outcome measures included anterior chamber flare, bulbar redness (BR), limbal redness (LR), ocular surface disease index (OSDI), tear meniscus height (TMH), the first and average noninvasive breakup time (NIBUT-1, NIBUT-a), fluorescein breakup time (FBUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), and Schirmer I. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were applied to explore the correlation between flare and ocular surface parameters.

RESULTS

Flare increased significantly in both groups at day 1 and week 1 and then returned to baseline at month 1. In both groups, BR decreased on day 1 and then gradually increased towards the baseline. In FS-LASIK, LR was lower than baseline at day 1 and month 3. An increase in OSDI was found in the SMILE group on day 1, and in the FS-LASIK group at day 1 to month 1. NIBUT-1 and NIBUT-a decreased significantly on day 1 in both groups. At month 3, NIBUT-a did not return to baseline in FS-LASIK. CFS increased significantly at week 1 in both groups. All parameters were comparable between SMILE and FS-LASIK except for OSDI and NIBUT-a. Time and spherical equivalent showed a correlation with flare.

CONCLUSIONS

Both SMILE and FS-LASIK induced elevated anterior chamber flare and dry eye. However, flare might not be considered a factor determining perioperative dry eye.Key MessagesDry eye disease is common after corneal refractive surgery. Signs and symptoms of dry eye disease persist longer after FS-LASIK compared with SMILE.Both FS-LASIK and SMILE transiently disrupted blood-aqueous barrier integrity, leading to anterior segment inflammation.Anterior chamber flare might not be considered a factor explaining perioperative dry eye, other biomarkers remain for future exploration.

Effect of Myopic Femtosecond Laser-Assisted LASIK on Anterior Chamber Inflammation (Flare Values) and Corneal Endothelium: A Prospective before and after Study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate whether femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK (FS-LASIK) surgery causes inflammation in the anterior chamber and to analyze its effect on endothelial cells.

METHODS

This prospective, longitudinal study included left eyes of 30 patients (19 females) who had undergone FS-LASIK surgery due to myopia and myopic astigmatism. Endothelial cell density (ECD) and morphological measurements were performed using a specular microscopy, and laser flare photometry was used to measure the anterior chamber flare values on the day of surgery. iFS™ Advanced FS and VISX STAR S4-IR Wavescan Excimer Laser platforms were used. Flare measurements were repeated on the postoperative 1st day and 7th day and the 1st and 3rd months. The endothelial measurements were repeated in the 3rd month.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, the mean flare was 5.59 ± 1.24 photons/ms; it was 6.49 ± 2.42 on the postoperative 1st day, 5.87 ± 2.27 on the 7th day, 5.68 ± 1.66 on the 1st month, and 5.35 ± 1.24 on the 3rd month. A significant difference was observed only between the preoperative and postoperative 1st day flare values (p=0.047). The decrease in the ECD was clinically insignificant but statistically significant, with an average of 97.0 ± 209.9 cell count/mm2 (3.3%, p=0.017). However, there was no significant change in the coefficient of variation (p=0.448) and hexagonality (p=0.096). No significant correlation was found between the increase in the flare value on the postoperative 1st day and variables. A significant correlation was found between the decrease in ECD and the preoperative ECD (r = 0.356, p=0.027).

CONCLUSION

FS-LASIK caused minimal inflammation in the anterior chamber on only the 1st postoperative day; additionally, a minimal decrease of cell count with no morphological changes were noted in the endothelial cells on postoperative 3rd month. This trial is registered with NCT04899258.

Subclinical Inflammatory Response: Accelerated versus Standard Corneal Cross-Linking

Purpose: To compare the subclinical inflammatory response (as measured by anterior chamber flare) induced after standard (3 mW/cm², 30 min) and accelerated (18 mW/cm², 5 min) corneal cross-linking (CXL). Methods: In this comparative, non-randomized study, patients with progressive keratoconus who underwent standard or accelerated CXL were studied. Laser flare photometery (FM-600; Kowa, Tokyo, Japan) was used to measure anterior chamber flare preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after the procedure. Results: Sixty eyes of 60 patients were studied; 30 eyes in each group. Mean baseline flare values were 4.15 ± 1.19 and 4.57 ± 2.17 ph/ms in standard and accelerated groups, respectively (p = 0.228).and after surgery increased in all follow-up measurements in the both groups similarly (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Both standard and accelerated CXL results in induction of a subclinical inflammatory response that persists up to 6 month. The response was similar between the two groups.

Time course of changes in aqueous flare intensity after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

PURPOSE

To investigate the time course of changes in aqueous flare intensity after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) and to determine the clinical factors related to an increase in aqueous flare.

METHODS

The present study included 22 unilateral patients with RD undergoing primary 20-gauge vitrectomy. Aqueous flare intensity was measured preoperatively and at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively using the laser flare meter.

RESULTS

Before vitrectomy, aqueous flare intensity was significantly higher in eyes with RD than in contralateral normal eyes. Vitrectomy increased aqueous flare intensity, and the peak was observed at the first postoperative week. Aqueous flare intensity decreased to a stable level at 3 months postoperatively but remained significantly higher than that of contralateral and preoperative eyes throughout the observation period. Clinical factors that were found to be significantly correlated with an increase in aqueous flare intensity included 1) before the surgical procedure: extent of RD and intraocular pressure, and 2) 3 months postoperatively: size of retinal breaks, number of laser photocoagulation spots, operation time, and performance of combined cataract surgery. Multiple regression analysis revealed that aqueous flare intensity at 3 months postoperatively had significant correlation with the size of retinal breaks (P < 0.005) and the number of laser photocoagulation spots (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Aqueous flare intensity after vitrectomy for RD decreased to a stable level at 3 months postoperatively but remained significantly higher than the normal level. The size of retinal breaks and the degree of surgical invasion were associated with the increase in aqueous flare.

Fibrinous anterior uveitis following laser in situ keratomileusis

A 29-year-old woman who underwent laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopic astigmatism in both eyes presented with severe pain, photophobia and decreased visual acuity in the left eye eight days after surgery. Examination revealed severe anterior uveitis with fibrinous exudates in the anterior chamber, flap edema and epithelial bullae. Laboratory investigations for uveitis were negative and the patient required systemic and intensive topical steroids with cycloplegics to control the inflammation. This case demonstrates that severe anterior uveitis may develop after LASIK and needs prompt and vigorous management for resolution.

Angle-supported phakic intraocular lenses followed by laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis for the correction of high myopia

To evaluate the safety, effectiveness, predictability, and stability of the combination of angle-supported phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) implantation and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the correction of high myopia. Noncomparative interventional case series. At the Instituto Oftalmológico de Alicante, Spain, 24 consecutive eyes of 12 patients with a preoperative spherical equivalent between -9 and -26 diopters were studied. Implantation of an angle-supported PIOL was done as the first surgery. Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis was performed at least 6 months after PIOL surgery, once stability of topography and refraction were proved. Main outcome measures were uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refraction, applanation tonometry, and corneal endothelial study (cell density, hexagonality, and coefficient of variation), with a minimum follow-up of 12 months after LASIK. The mean spherical equivalent refraction decreased from -15.17 +/- 5.15 diopters before PIOL implantation to -1.33 +/- 1.18 diopters after PIOL surgery and to 0.01 +/- 0.53 12 months after LASIK. Uncorrected visual acuity was 0.39 +/- 0.12 after PIOL surgery, increasing to 0.65 +/- 0.23 12 months after LASIK. There was an increase in 20/40 or better UCVA from 16.6% after PIOL surgery alone to 83.3% after addition of LASIK. At final follow-up, spherical equivalent was within +/- 1 diopter of emmetropia in 22 eyes (91.7%) and in 18 eyes (75%) within +/- 0.50 diopters. Vector analysis demonstrated that astigmatic components of refractive error after PIOL surgery were well corrected by LASIK. At final follow-up the mean endothelial cell loss was 4.88% (P <.001). There were no statistically significant differences between mean endothelial cell count, percentage of hexagonality, or coefficient of variation before LASIK and 12 months after LASIK, suggesting that no corneal endothelial damage was produced by LASIK itself. No sight-threatening complications occurred through the follow-up period. The combination of angle-supported PIOL implantation and LASIK appears to be a safe, effective, predictable, and stable procedure for the correction of high myopia. This paper emphasizes the benefits of adding LASIK to the use of PIOL alone.

Incidence of Retinal Disease Following Refractive Surgery in 9,239 Eyes

PURPOSE

To analyze the appearance, incidence, and characteristics of retinal diseases in myopic patients after refractive surgery.

METHODS

We studied retinal disease observed in 9,239 consecutive eyes (5,099 patients) after refractive surgery. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) was used to correct myopia in 5,936 eyes (3,184 patients, mean age 30.5 +/- 8.9 years); mean spherical equivalent refraction was -4.71 +/- 2.80 D. Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) was used to correct myopia in 3,009 eyes (1,734 patients, mean age 32.0 +/- 7.8 years); mean spherical equivalent refraction was -13.5 +/- 3.30 D. An anterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) was implanted to correct myopia in 294 eyes (181 patients, mean age 32.6 +/- 7.3 yr) with a mean spherical equivalent refraction of -18.5 +/- 5.00 D.

RESULTS

Retinal detachment occurred at a mean 53.6 +/- 41.4 months after PRK in 9 eyes (0.15%), 24.6 +/- 20.4 months after LASIK in 11 eyes (0.36%), and 20.5 +/- 17.4 months after anterior chamber PIOL implantation in 12 eyes (4.08%). Choroidal neovascularization occurred a mean 26 months after PRK in 1 eye (0.01%), mean 30.2 +/- 19.3 months after LASIK in 10 eyes (0.33%), and mean 49.0 +/- 33.5 months after PACL implantation in 7 eyes (2.38%). One patient developed a macular hole 12 months after LASIK and another patient developed a macular hemorrhage immediately after LASIK. Epiretinal membrane appeared in one patient 19 months after anterior chamber PIOL implantation.

CONCLUSION

There was no relationship between PRK for myopia and retinal disease. LASIK for correction of myopia was followed by a low incidence of retinal disease; additional study is necessary to assess the true impact of the suction ring in the myopic eye. Implantation of an anterior chamber PIOL to correct high myopia was followed by a low incidence of choroidal neovascularization, a high incidence of retinal detachment, similar to other intraocular interventions in highly myopic patients.

Long-term observation of aqueous flare following penetrating keratoplasty

PURPOSE

To understand the influence of preoperative corneal conditions, combined implant surgeries, and subsequent rejection on the aqueous flare value following penetrating keratoplasty (PK).

METHODS

A total of 86 eyes of 86 patients were included. PK alone was performed on eyes with keratoconus (n = 7), corneal scar (from previous trauma or nonherpetic infection; n = 19), pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) (n = 16), and for regraft (n = 14). Combined ECCE and PC-IOL implantation (triple procedure) was performed on 17 eyes with corneal scar, and combined AC-IOL exchange was performed on 13 eyes with PBK. Aqueous flare was measured with a laser flare-cell meter at 1 week and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The mean follow-up was 24.7 (range 7-76) months.

RESULTS

There were 11 cases (12.8%) of endothelial rejection (two in PK for corneal scar group, two in triple procedure group, two in PK for PBK group, three in PK and AC-IOL exchange group, and two in regraft group). Two corneas in PK for corneal scar group, one in PK and AC-IOL exchange group, and one in regraft group cleared up later; the remaining seven cases failed subsequently. Another 10 grafts (11.6%) failed from other causes. Eventually, 69 grafts (80.2%) remained clear at last follow-up. There was a significant difference in aqueous flare values among eyes undergoing PK only for keratoconus, corneal scar, PBK, and regraft from 1 week to 3 months postoperatively. In the corneal scar group, aqueous flare value was significantly higher from 1 week to 3 months when combined with cataract surgery. In the PBK group, the value was significantly higher from 1 week to 1 month and 6 months again when combined with AC-IOL exchange. Notably, significantly higher flare values were measured from 1 week to 6 months in eyes with later rejection.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative diagnoses and additional implant surgeries influenced the aqueous flare counts at the early postoperative period. Persistently elevated flare value may be associated with later rejection.

Anterior uveitis after laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE

To report a case series of anterior uveitis after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and the incidence of anterior uveitis at a mean of 3 years.

SETTING

Centro Medico Docente La Trinidad and Clinica Oftalmologica Centro Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela.

METHODS

Five refractive surgeons and 18488 eyes that had surgical correction of a mean ametropia of -2.23 diopters (D) (range -10.25 to +4.25 D) participated in the study; 74.3% of the eyes were myopic. Laser in situ keratomileusis was performed in all eyes. Patients were followed for a mean of 36 months (range 6 to 48 months) after LASIK. The clinical charts of patients who developed uveitis after LASIK were reviewed. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 15.2 mm Hg (range 12 to 19 mm Hg). The mean corneal ablation depth was 37.47 micro m (range 12 to 98 micro m). In the immediate postoperative period, all patients received a combination of topical dexamethasone and tobramycin.

RESULTS

Thirty-five eyes (18 patients) developed anterior uveitis after LASIK. Signs and symptoms appeared a mean of 20.7 days (range 17 to 28 days) postoperatively and 5.08 days (range 2 to 8 days) after withdrawal of topical steroid and antibiotic agents. Eyes that developed LASIK-related uveitis had a mean preoperative spherical equivalent of -2.32 D (range -7.00 to +4.25 D). Intraocular pressure dropped to a mean of 8.0 mm Hg (range 4 to 12 mm Hg) at the onset of uveitis (P <.0001). The LASIK-related anterior uveitis resolved and IOP returned to baseline after a mean of 3 days on topical steroid and cycloplegic agents. Laboratory and immunology (including human leukocyte antigen-B27) tests were negative in 15 of 18 patients (83.33%). The incidence of uveitis after LASIK was 0.18%.

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior uveitis after LASIK is infrequent. It may be due to uveal trauma during surgery with disruption of normal anterior-chamber-associated immune deviation, decreased antiinflammatory cytokines, and increased proinflammatory cytokines. Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanisms of this association.

Subclinical inflammation after laser in situ keratomileusis in corneal grafts

PURPOSE

To evaluate postoperative inflammatory reaction in the eye after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in corneal grafts.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.

METHODS

Ten eyes of 9 patients with penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and significant postoperative refractive errors and astigmatism had LASIK 22 months or more after the PKP. All patients were treated with the VISX Star excimer laser and the Bausch & Lomb Hansatome microkeratome. Preoperative and early postoperative inflammation was evaluated by quantifying the aqueous flare intensity with a laser flare photometer (Kowa FM-500). A full ophthalmic assessment was also performed before LASIK and up to 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The inflammatory response was mild and limited to the first postoperative hour. The mean anterior chamber flare increased from 6.0 photons/millisecond (ph/ms) preoperatively to 14.0 ph/ms at 1 hour and then decreased to 6.7 ph/ms (hour 3), 6.8 ph/ms (day 1), and 8.2 ph/ms (day 7). The mean spherical equivalent (SE) refraction decreased from -3.81 diopters (D) (range -9.63 to -0.25 D) to -0.46 D (range -1.13 to +0.38 D), and the mean preoperative astigmatism decreased from 3.0 D (range 6.5 to 0.5 D) to 0.7 D (range 0.0 to 2.0 D). At the last examination, 9 eyes were within +/-1.0 D (6 within +/-0.5 D) and all were within +/-1.5 D of the intended SE refraction. Three eyes achieved full cylinder correction, and 7 were within +/-1.0 D of the intended correction. Eight eyes had a best corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better (unchanged or gain of 1 to 4 lines [6], loss of 1 line [1], and loss of 3 lines [1]), and 8 had an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/50 or better.

CONCLUSIONS

Uneventful LASIK induced subtle, short-lasting anterior chamber flare when measured by the laser flare meter. In corneal grafts, LASIK appeared to be a safe and effective procedure for residual refractive errors.

Choroidal neovascularization in myopic eyes after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE

To analyze the appearance and characteristics of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in patients with high myopia corrected by laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The authors studied CNV in 2955 consecutive eyes (1632 patients) that underwent LASIK for the correction of myopia (from -6 to -27.5 diopters). Follow-up was 34.2+/-11.3 months.

RESULTS

Choroidal neovascularization occurred in three eyes (0.10%) and in one eye previous CNV was reactivated (three women, one man). The time interval between refractive surgery and CNV was 13+/-9.5 months (range, 4-26 months). Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after LASIK and before CNV development was 20/57 (range, 20/100-20/29). After the appearance of CNV, mean BCVA was 20/606 (range, 20/2000-20/80). Differences between BCVA before and after CNV were statistically significant (P = 0.04, paired Student's t-test). The CNV was treated in two cases by argon laser photocoagulation and in two cases by surgical excision of CNV by vitrectomy. The final mean BCVA was 20/277 (range, 20/800-20/50). Differences between BCVA after LASIK and after CNV treatment were statistically significant (P = 0.04, paired Student's t-test).

CONCLUSIONS

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis as a correcting procedure for myopia was followed by low appearance of CNV. The appearance and treatment of CNV was followed by a significant decrease of BCVA.

Assessment of anterior chamber flare and cells after laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE

To determine the presence of anterior chamber flare and cells after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the correction of myopia.

SETTING

Hermann Eye Center and the University of Texas Medical School, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Houston, Texas, USA.

METHODS

Forty-three eyes of 23 consecutive patients ranging in age from 24 to 62 years had LASIK for myopia. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon using a VISX Star laser and the same technique. Patients received no preoperative antiinflammatory medications. Postoperatively, all patients were instructed to use 1 drop of ofloxacin (Ocuflox) and 1 drop of fluorometholone 0.1% (FML) in the operated eye 4 times daily while awake for 7 days. At baseline and postoperative days 1, 7, and 28, anterior chamber flare was measured and cells were counted using a Kowa laser flare meter (FM-500) and laser cell counter (LC-500), respectively.

RESULTS

Flare and cells increased significantly on day 1 (P <.0001 for both flare and cells) and returned to preoperative levels by day 7. No statistically significant correlation was detected between the amount of inflammation and the number of laser pulses (P =.2922) or the ablation time (P =.8383).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant increase in anterior chamber inflammation occurred during the first 24 hours after LASIK. Inflammation levels then subsided to preoperative levels by day 7 with steroid use. Anterior chamber inflammation did not appear to correlate with the duration of the ablation or the number of laser pulses.

Postoperative Inflammation, Microbial Complications, and Wound Healing Following Laser in situ Keratomileusis

Although the biology of corneal wound healing is only partly understood, healing after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) differs in many respects, and the mechanisms appear to be differently controlled. There is less of an inflammatory and healing response after LASIK, but a longer period of sensory denervation. The cellular, molecular, and neural regulatory phenomena associated with postoperative inflammation and wound healing are likely to be involved in the adverse effects after LASIK, such as flap melt, epithelial ingrowth, and regression. Interface opacities in the early postoperative period include diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK), microbial keratitis, epithelial cells, and interface opacities. Diffuse lamellar keratitis (sands of the Sahara syndrome) describes an apparently noninfectious diffuse interface inflammation after lamellar corneal surgery probably caused by an allergic or a toxic inflammatory reaction. Noninfectious keratitis must be distinguished from microbial keratitis to avoid aggressive management and treatment with antimicrobial drugs. Microbial keratitis is a serious complication after LASIK, but a good visual outcome can be achieved following prompt and appropriate treatment.

The effectiveness of a topical antibiotic irrigating solution in a model of staphylococcal keratitis after lamellar keratectomy

PURPOSE

To create a model of Staphylococcus aureus keratitis after lamellar keratectomy; to assess the toxicity of an antibiotic irrigating solution on the corneal stromal bed; and to test the chemotherapeutic effectiveness of a topical antibiotic, both alone and with an antibiotic-containing irrigating solution in preventing S. aureus keratitis after lamellar keratectomy.

METHODS

The right eye of each of 38 rabbits were used in this study. In 18 eyes, a lamellar flap was created with a microkeratome, and an inoculum of S. aureus (either 1,000, 5,000, or 50,000 CFUs) was instilled under each flap; the eyes were examined for signs of infection and inflammation at 24 and 48 hours. In another five eyes, a lamellar flap was created in the same manner and the stromal bed was irrigated with 0.3% ofloxacin; the eyes were assessed for ocular inflammatory changes and evidence of crystalline deposits. Finally, in each of 15 additional eyes, 1,000 CFUs of S. aureus were instilled under a lamellar flap to create experimental infectious keratitis. The keratitis was treated according to three regimens: irrigation of the stromal bed with sterile balanced salt solution; irrigation of the stromal bed with 0.3% ofloxacin, followed by application of topical ofloxacin four times a day; application of topical ofloxacin only, four times a day. Eyes were examined for infection and ocular inflammatory changes at 24 and 48 hours.

RESULTS

Staphylococcus aureus keratitis can consistently be produced under the stromal flap by inoculation of relatively few organisms. Irrigation of the stromal bed with commercial-strength topical ofloxacin does not appear to be toxic to the stromal bed, with no evidence of crystalline precipitates of the antibiotic. In our model of infectious keratitis after lamellar keratectomy, both topical ofloxacin alone and the combination of topical ofloxacin and irrigation of the stromal bed with 0.3% ofloxacin were effective at preventing S. aureus keratitis. However, the combined treatment of antibiotic irrigation plus topical antibiotic was more effective at preventing inflammation than topical ofloxacin alone.

CONCLUSIONS

In this model of S. aureus keratitis after lamellar keratectomy, irrigation of the stromal bed with antibiotic plus topical antibiotic appears to be both safe and effective for preventing infection.

Retinal detachment in myopic eyes after laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE

To analyze the incidence and characteristics of retinal detachment in myopic patients treated by laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied the retinal detachments observed in 1,554 consecutive eyes (878 patients) undergoing laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis for the correction of myopia (follow-up, 30.34+/-10.27 months; range, 16 to 54). Mean patient age was 33.09+/-8.6 years (range, 20 to 60). Before treatment with laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, all patients had a comprehensive examination, and detected lesions predisposing to retinal detachment were treated before performing the laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis procedure.

RESULTS

Retinal detachment occurred in four (0.25%) of 1,554 eyes of four (0.45%) of 878 patients. All four patients who developed retinal detachment in one eye were women. Degree of preoperative myopia was -13.52+/-3.38 diopters (range, -8.00 to -27.50). The time interval between refractive surgery and retinal detachment was 11.25+/-8.53 months (range, 2 to 19 months). In all cases retinal detachment was spontaneous. In all eyes the retina was reattached successfully at the first retinal detachment surgery. Mean best-corrected visual acuity after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis and before retinal detachment development was 20/43 (range, 20/50 to 20/30). After retinal detachment repair, best-corrected visual acuity was 20/45 (range, 20/50 to 20/32). Differences between best-corrected visual acuity before and after reattachment were not statistically significant (P = .21, paired Student t test). A myopic shift was induced in three eyes that had retinal detachment repaired by scleral buckling, from -0.58+/-0.72 diopter (range, +0.25 to -1.00) before retinal detachment and -2.25+/-1.14 diopters (range, -1.00 to -3.25) after retinal detachment surgery (P = .03, paired Student t test).

CONCLUSIONS

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis for correction of myopia is followed by a low incidence of retinal detachment. Conventional scleral buckling surgery was successful in most cases and did not cause significant changes in the final best-corrected visual acuity. A significant increase in the myopic spherical equivalent was observed after scleral buckling in these patients.