Longitudinal postoperative lasik epithelial thickness profile changes in correlation with degree of myopia correction

Changes in Corneal Epithelial Thickness in Different Areas After Femtosecond Laser-Assisted LASIK in Patients With High Astigmatism

PURPOSE

To explore changes in corneal epithelial thickness (CET) after femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis in patients with high astigmatism.

METHODS

CET was measured at every intersection of the concentric circles and specific axes using AngioVue optical coherence tomography (Angio-OCT) preoperatively and 1 month postoperatively. The average thickness of corneal central, paracentral, and peripheral regions was the mean of the points within the central 2, 2 to 5, and 5 to 7 mm areas, respectively. Correlation analysis was performed to investigate the association between CET along different axes and other preoperative and postoperative parameters.

RESULTS

Forty-two eyes of 28 patients were included. CET along the astigmatic (K1) and perpendicular (K2) axes in the central and paracentral areas increased (P < .001), whereas that along the K2 axis decreased in the peripheral area 1 month postoperatively (P = .001). The amount of CET change in the peripheral area between the K1 and K2 axes was significantly different (P < .001). In the central area, the change in CET along the K2 axis was positively correlated with ablation depth (r = 0.315, P = .042) and negatively with refractive power after surgery (r = -0.347, P = .024). In the peripheral area, the changes in CET along both K1 and K2 axes were negatively correlated with ablation depth (r = -0.431, P = .004; r = -0.387, P = .011, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Epithelial modeling differed between the different astigmatism axes after refractive surgery. The compensatory response of the corneal epithelium is more pronounced along the steeper axis. [J Refract Surg. 2024;40(4):e239-e244.].

A Novel Role for Corneal Pachymetry in Planning Cataract Surgery by Determining Changes in Spherical Equivalent Resulting from a Previous LASIK Treatment

Objectives

To provide a metric to differentiate between hyperopic and myopic ablation of a prior LASIK treatment based on the corneal pachymetry profile after laser vision correction (LVC).

Methods

Pachymetry data were retrospectively recovered from patients who had previous LASIK for refractive purposes between 2019 and 2020. Patients with any corneal disorder were excluded. Ablation spherical equivalent was predicted from the central to semiperipheral corneal thickness (CPT) ratio, both values were provided by using the Pentacam user interface software (UI), and values were computed from extracted raw pachymetry data.

Results

Data of 157 eyes of 81 patients were collected, of which data were analysed for 73 eyes of 73 patients to avoid concurrence of measurements in both eyes per subject (42% female; mean age 40.9; SD 12.8). The CPT ratio cutoff for distinction between myopic and hyperopic LASIK was 0.86 for Pentacam UI data. Sensitivity and specificity were 0.7 and 0.95, respectively. Accuracy increased with computation of the CPT ratio based on extracted raw data with sensitivity and specificity of 0.87 and 0.99, respectively. There was a marked linear correlation between the CPT ratio and the ablation spherical equivalent (R² = 0.93).

Conclusions

CPT ratio cutoffs can correctly classify if a cornea previously had a hyperopic versus myopic LASIK surgery and estimate the ablation spherical equivalent of such treatment. This could prove useful for increased accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) calculations for patients with no historical data of their prior LVC surgery at the time of cataract surgery planning.

Agreement Between Predicted and Actual Measured Ablation Depth After FS-LASIK Using Different Rotating Scheimpflug Cameras and OCT

Purpose

To compare the predicted ablation depth (AD) with the postoperatively measured corneal ablation depth (postop-AD) at central, paracentral, and midperipheral locations using two rotating Scheimpflug analyzers and a Fourier-domain optical coherence tomographer in eyes that underwent femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK (FS-LASIK).

Methods

The values of corneal thickness were measured preoperatively and postoperatively at one and three months. The difference between preoperative and postoperative was defined as postop-AD. Measurements were performed at the corneal vertex and mid-peripheral area. The mid-peripheral corneal thickness was measured at the superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal locations at a distance of 1.0 or 2.5 mm from the corneal vertex. The predicted AD was calculated by ORK-CAM software (Schwind eye tech-solutions GmbH, Kleinostheim, Germany), and the difference between the predicted AD and postop-AD was defined as Δ-AD. Paired t-test analysis was employed to evaluate the differences, agreement was assessed by the Bland-Altman method.

Results

Forty-two eyes of 42 patients were investigated. At one month, the predicted AD in the central and paracentral areas was underestimated by the Pentacam HR (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany), Sirius (Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici, Florence, Italy) and RTVue OCT (Optovue Inc., Freemont, CA, United States), whereas Δ-AD was negative as established by all devices and predominantly statistically significant. The Δ-AD values approximated zero at three months. The mean difference of Δ-AD at three months at the corneal vertex was 0.67 ± 9.39 mm, −7.92 ± 9.05 mm and −1.36 ± 8.31 mm, respectively. The mid-peripheral measurements had positive values at one month and even more highly positive at three months (with statistically significant differences in most of the cases). The agreement between the predicted and postop-AD was moderate with all devices, but slightly better with RTVue.

Conclusion

The predicted AD seems to be underestimated in the central and paracentral corneal area and overestimated in the mid-periphery.

Translational Relevance

The study could help to partly explain and prevent the refractive errors after FS-LASIK.

Vector analysis of high astigmatism (≥ 2.0 diopters) correction after small-incision lenticule extraction with stringent head positioning and femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis with compensation of cyclotorsion

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the astigmatic correction by vector analysis in patients with high myopic astigmatism after femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) with cyclotorsion compensation or small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) with stringent head positioning.

Setting

Beijing Aier-Intech Eye Hospital, Beijing, China.

Design

A retrospective case series.

Methods

Patients who had correction of myopic astigmatism of 2 diopters (D) or more treated with either FS-LASIK with cyclotorsion compensation or SMILE with stringent head positioning were included. The results of vision and refraction were analyzed and compared between groups with the right eye.

Results

The study enrolled 94 patients (41eyes in an FS-LASIK with compensation of cyclotorsion group and 53 eyes in a SMILE with stringent head positioning control group. The mean preoperative manifest cylinder was -2.65 ± 0.77D in the FS-LASIK group and 2.51 ± 0.56D in the SMILE group (P = 0.302). At 12 months, there was no significant between-group difference in uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA, P = 0.274) and postoperative spherical equivalent (SEQ) (P = 0.107). 46.3% and 24.5% of eyes in the FS-LASIK and SMILE groups were within 0.25 D were within 0.25D postoperative cylinder, respectively, and 78% and 66% of eyes in these two groups were within 0.5 D postoperative cylinder (P = 0.027, P = 0.202). The vector analysis showed comparable between-group target-induced astigmatism (TIA) (P = 0.114), surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) (P = 0.057), difference vector (DV, P = 0.069), and the angle of error (AE) (P = 0 .213) values. The index of success (IOS) was 0.18 in the FS-LASIK group and 0.24 in the SMILE group (P = 0.024), with a significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

FS-LASIK with compensation of cyclotorsion showed a favorable correction of high myopic astigmatism (≥ 2.0 D) compared to SMILE with stringent head positioning at 12 months.

Evaluation of Wide Corneal Epithelial Remodeling after Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) with Wide-Field Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose

This study aims to assess the corneal epithelial remodeling within a 9 mm diameter zone induced by small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and evaluate its relationship with the refractive outcomes.

Methods

A total of 64 eyes of 64 patients were included. Wide-field optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to measure the epithelial thickness (ET) across a 9 mm diameter area, preoperatively, and after one day, one week, one month, three months, and six months postoperatively. The ET changes were compared among the different time points and analyzed zones.

Results

The ET increases from one week to three months and stabilized from three months to six months. Compared to the preoperative values, the mean ET changes at six months in central (2 mm), paracentral (2-5 mm), mid-peripheral (5-7 mm), and peripheral (7-9 mm) zones were 4.37, 4.36, 1.61, and -1.59 μm, respectively. The correlation between the epithelial thickening and the amount of myopia correction was positive in central (P = 0.001) and paracentral zones (P < 0.001) and negative in peripheral zone (P = 0.006). The intended diameter of the optical zone was negatively related to epithelial hyperplasia in the central (P = 0.020) and paracentral zone (P = 0.006), and the correlation was positive in the mid-peripheral zone (P = 0.001). The epithelial thickening of central zone (P = 0.012) and the difference of mean ET between central and paracentral zone (P = 0.020) were negatively related to the spherical equivalent at six months.

Conclusion

An asymmetric lenticule-like pattern of epithelial remodeling occurred in 9 mm diameter cornea at six months after myopic SMILE. The epithelial remodeling may affect the refractive outcomes of SMILE.

LASIK versus PRK for high astigmatism

PURPOSE

To compare the refractive outcomes of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopic astigmatism of 3 diopters (D) or more.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective matched comparative study.

METHODS

This study include consecutive myopic patients (SE 0 to -10 D) undergoing LASIK or PRK between 2007 and 2016 with astigmatism of 3 to 6 D, and postoperative follow-up of at least 30 days for LASIK and 60 days for PRK, compared outcomes of LASIK and PRK eyes.

RESULTS

The LASIK and PRK groups comprised 175 eyes of 175 patients each, with median follow-up of 39 and 139 days, respectively (P < 0.001). Mean preoperative manifest astigmatism was -3.35 ± 0.46 and -3.42 ± 0.51 D (P = 0.92), postoperative SE was -0.43 ± 0.55 and -0.16 ± 0.64 D (P < 0.001), and arithmetic astigmatism was -0.59 ± 0.46 and -0.88 ± 0.60 D (P < 0.001), for the LASIK and PRK groups, respectively. Fifty-seven and 64.0% eyes had postoperative SE within ± 0.5 D of emmetropia (P = 0.19), and 57.7 and 38.8% eyes were within 0.5 D of attempted astigmatic correction (P < 0.001) for the LASIK and PRK groups, respectively. More PRK eyes were overtreated regarding both SE and astigmatism than LASIK eyes (P < 0.001). The efficacy and safety indices were close to 1.0 in both groups. The surgically induced astigmatism, magnitude of error, index of success, correction index and flattening index were all better in the LASIK group.

CONCLUSION

Both LASIK and PRK achieve good outcomes in high astigmatism. LASIK achieved mild superiority over PRK.

The Influence of Tomographic Corneal Characteristics on Epithelial Thickness Profile

Purpose

To understand the influence of tomographic corneal characteristics on the epithelium of normal eyes.

Methods

We scanned a total of 98 eyes of 98 individuals using anterior segment tomography and a spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) epithelial mapping tool. Only eyes with no previous pathology were included, with a refractive range of +5 diopters (D) to -6 D, intraocular pressure of < 22 mmHg, and no evidence of dry eye (Schirmer’s test 2 value > 5 mm). Corneal curvature metrics were statistically correlated with regional epithelial thickness parameters.

Results

The anterior and posterior corneal surface flat and steep axis, the maximum and minimum curvature, corneal topographic astigmatism, astigmatism polar values, and corneal volume had no statistically significant correlation (p>0.05) with the epithelial thickness. Similarly, anterior corneal surface asphericity had no significant correlation. Posterior surface asphericity had a statistically significant moderate correlation with the epithelium in all areas. Similar results were seen in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

None of the front or back surface parameters had any influence on the corneal epithelium except for the posterior surface asphericity. This statistically significant yet clinically insignificant correlation may be enhanced in diseased populations like keratoconus and could indicate epithelial remodeling with early posterior corneal changes.

Refractive surgery with simultaneous collagen cross-linking for borderline corneas - A review of different techniques, their protocols and clinical outcomes

Simultaneous corneal cross-linking (CXL) has been proposed as an adjunct therapy to corneal refractive procedures to prevent future ectasia, especially when performed in borderline corneas. This review analyses the currently available literature (minimum follow-up 6 months) on corneal refractive surgery and simultaneous CXL (PRK Xtra, LASIK Xtra, and SMILE Xtra) to evaluate the overall results including the safety, efficacy, and potential complications associated with these procedures. A comprehensive literature search of various electronic databases (PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane database, and MEDLINE) was performed up to 20^th May 2020. Four relevant studies were found for PRK Xtra, 12 for LASIK Xtra, and 3 for SMILE Xtra. The total number of eyes included in this review was 1,512: 294 for PRK Xtra, 221 for PRK-only, 446 eyes for LASIK Xtra, 398 eyes for LASIK-only, 91 for SMILE Xtra and 62 for SMILE-only. Current literature suggests that refractive surgery and simultaneous CXL is generally safe and delivers comparable results in terms of visual and refractive outcomes than refractive surgery alone. However, there is no consensus on a standard cross-linking protocol, and complications such as diffuse lamellar keratitis, central toxic keratopathy, and corneal ectasia following Xtra procedures have been reported. It is therefore suggested that surgeons exercise caution in case-selection and counsel their patients regarding the potential risks and benefits with Xtra procedures. Also, further studies are required to standardize the UV-A irradiation protocols and to evaluate the long-term effect on safety, refractive predictability, and stability of these procedures.

Three-Year Outcomes of Simultaneous Accelerated Corneal Crosslinking and Femto-LASIK for the Treatment of High Myopia in Asian Eyes

Purpose

To determine the long-term visual outcomes of simultaneous femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (femto-LASIK) and accelerated cross-linking (CXL) [LASIK Xtra] for the treatment of high myopia.

Patients and Methods

All 163 consecutive eyes of 85 patients who underwent LASIK Xtra for the treatment of high myopia and/or myopic astigmatism (spherical equivalent ≥ −6.00 D) in Singapore National Eye Centre from the years 2013 to 2017 were included in this retrospective case series. Post-operative follow-up was up to 3 years.

Results

Of the 163 eyes, 67 were followed up for 1 year (mean 12.9 months), 69 for 2 years (mean 24.0 months) and 43 for 3 years (mean 36.4 months). Overall mean follow-up was 22.8 months (9–46 months). The mean pre-operative spherical equivalent (SE) was −8.60 ± 1.47 D [range: −11.75 to −4.75] (n = 163) and mean attempted correction SE was −8.84 ± 1.41 D [range: −11.88 to −5.25]. Most eyes (>95%) maintained an uncorrected distance visual acuity of 6/12 or better over 3 years. Visual outcomes were predictable with ≥95% of eyes achieving a SE correction within ± 1D of attempted correction over 3 years. There was a mild regression in SE refraction over 3 years with a mean of −0.10 ± 0.45 D three years post-operatively (p = 0.03). The safety index was >1.05 at 3 years follow-up. There were no significant post-operative complications though 24 eyes had mild haze and 2 eyes had grade 1 diffuse lamellar keratitis that resolved within 1 month.

Conclusion

Our 3-year LASIK Xtra results show favorable safety, efficacy, predictability and stability outcomes in Asian patients with high myopia.

Reduction of corneal epithelial thickness during medical treatment for myopic regression following FS-LASIK

Background

To evaluate corneal epithelial thickness change during medical treatment for eyes with myopic regression after femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK).

Methods

This study included 84 eyes of 54 subjects diagnosed with myopic regression after FS-LASIK and treated using topical steroid and anti-glaucoma drugs. Corneal epithelial thickness was measured using Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography before and after treatment. Subjects were divided into three groups based on their corneal epithelial thickness at the time of myopic regression and regression analyses were used to investigate the association between corneal epithelial thickness, visual acuity, and refraction. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine whether corneal epithelial thickness could predict the success of treatment, improvements of ≥ two lines in uncorrected distance visual acuity and ≥ 0.5 diopter in refraction or K.

Results

Corneal epithelial thickness decreased with greater change in the center as myopic regression subsided during medical treatment. Subgroup with the thickest epithelium (≥ 62 μm) showed a higher success rate and greater changes in refraction and vision. Reduced magnitude of corneal epithelial thickness showed significant correlations with changes of K and refractive error (all P < 0.001). Corneal epithelial thickness was a significant factor for the success of treatment and ROC curve showed that corneal epithelial thickness > 60.50 μm had 81.5% sensitivity and 84.2% specificity for the success of medical treatment.

Conclusion

Corneal epithelial thickness decreases proportionally with the magnitude of improvement of myopic regression during treatment with steroid and anti-glaucoma drugs in post-LASIK eyes with myopic regression.

Review of Laser Vision Correction (LASIK, PRK and SMILE) with Simultaneous Accelerated Corneal Crosslinking - Long-term Results

Purpose: Laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) are safe and effective refractive surgical procedures. However, complications include regression of treatment and iatrogenic keratectasia which can be severe and sight-threatening. In order to reduce these complications, simultaneous corneal cross-linking (CXL) is currently being added to these refractive procedures. This review analyses current long-term literature (≥ 1 year follow-up) on refractive surgery and simultaneous CXL (LASIK Xtra, PRK Xtra and SMILE Xtra) to determine its overall safety and efficacy.Methods: A comprehensive literature search of various electronic databases (PubMed, PubMed Central and MEDLINE) was performed up to 9^th February 2019. Efficacy and safety indices are calculated where possible.Results: Ten relevant studies were found for LASIK Xtra, 4 for PRK Xtra and 1 for SMILE Xtra. The total number of eyes included in this review was 1,189: 347 eyes for LASIK Xtra, 300 eyes for LASIK-only, 298 for PRK Xtra, 204 for PRK-only, 40 for SMILE Xtra and none for SMILE-only. Current studies show that refractive surgery and simultaneous CXL produces comparable or better results in terms of refractive and keratometric stability than refractive surgery alone. However, case reports of complications such as corneal ectasia, diffuse lamellar keratitis and central toxic keratopathy have also recently been published.Conclusions: Simultaneous accelerated CXL and refractive surgery is effective for the treatment of myopia. However, it is as yet unclear if the additional CXL step reduces the incidence of iatrogenic keratectasia. Further long-term comparative studies would be useful in evaluating safety and efficacy of this procedure. More research should also be performed to titrate the UV-A irradiation settings for an optimal outcome.

Incidence and management of symptomatic dry eye related to LASIK for myopia, with topical cyclosporine A

Purpose

To evaluate the incidence of transient dry eye associated with LASIK for myopia and the efficacy of topical cyclosporine A administration.

Methods

Group A was formed from 145 (82 female, 63 male) eyes that developed clinically significant dry eye within 1 month post-LASIK and were subjected to cyclosporine A treatment. A “non-symptomatic for dry eye” and age- and gender-matched group (group B) was formed from the same pool of patients to serve as control. Schirmer’s, tear film break-up time (TBUT) and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire were evaluated. Central corneal epithelial thickness (CET) and topographic epithelial thickness variability (TVT) were evaluated as quantitative dry eye objective markers. Subjective patient survey was also assessed.

Results

Mean age was 39.7±6.2 years for the female and 47.67±9.5 years for the male patients, in group A. Schirmer’s test mean preoperative value was 8.4±3.1 mm; and 4.5±3.6 mm at 1 month post-LASIK. Statistically significant decrease from 1 month post-LASIK baseline was found at 12 months (8.2±2.1 mm; P=0.02). Mean preoperative TBUT value was 7.5±2.5 seconds, 6.5±3.1 seconds at 1 month postoperatively, and 7.6±2.0 seconds at 12 months postoperatively, statistically significant to baseline (P=0.04). Preoperatively, CET was 52.37±3.40 µm and TTV was 1.24±0.57 µm, 59.87±3.89 µm, and 2.74±0.57 µm at 1 month post-LASIK respectively and at 12 months, 55.42±2.75 µm and 1.39±0.96 µm. The differences in CET between 12 months post-LASIK vs baseline were statistically significant (P=0.007). The mean preoperative OSDI scores were 11.47±9.97 for group A and 11.79±10.31 for group B (P=0.782), which changed to 23.03±10.17 and 15.13±9.49 at 12 months postoperatively (P<0.05), respectively. Following commencement of cyclosporine A treatment in group A, statistically significant improvement was noted, greater than the one in group B, in all metrics at the 12-month examination in comparison to the 1-month baseline.

Conclusion

Topical cyclosporine A treatment is an effective alternative in the management of LASIK for myopia-related transient dry eye. Optical coherence tomography epithelial mapping may provide an objective benchmark in diagnosing and monitoring this significant disorder and its correlation with visual symptoms.

Predictive Factors for Successful High Myopia Treatment Using High-Frequency Laser-In-Situ Keratomileusis

Aim

To evaluate the predictive factors of LASIK procedure for high myopia with or without astigmatism using a combination of high-frequency femtosecond-assisted LASIK followed by an excimer laser.

Methods

This study was a retrospective interventional case series study to evaluate myopic eyes undergoing high platform LASIK with FEMTO LDV Z2 intervention, followed by WaveLight®EX500 excimer laser machine. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: high myopia (SE of -6.01 to -9.00 D) and very high myopia (SE of -9.01 D or higher). Myopic eyes (Spherical Equivalent/SE) less than -13 D were included in this study. Visual Acuity (VA) was evaluated 1 day and 60 days after the procedure. Predictive factors, such as age, degree of sphere, degree of astigmatism, keratometric reading and axial length were analyzed to detect any influences affecting the final VA results.

Results

A total of 316 myopia eyes underwent intervention, mean age: 25.3±3.8 years. Target treatment was achieved in 96.1% of patients with high myopia and 69.9% of patients with very high myopia. High degree of sphere and astigmatism constitutes an important factor influencing final VA.

Conclusion

Modern machines provide a more promising efficacy and success of LASIK procedure in high myopia: important predictive factors were a high degree of sphere and astigmatism for achieving the optimal final outcome.

Temporal and Spatial Flap Variability in Laser In-Situ Keratomileusis by Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose:

To study changes in flap thickness made with two different microkeratome heads across different corneal locations using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods:

In this prospective, non-randomized, consecutive case series, subjects who had their laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flaps made using 90 μm (MSU90) or 130 μm (MSU130) disposable M2 microkeratome heads were examined using OCT. The measurements were performed at three locations (central and 2.5 mm to either side) at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month postoperatively.

Results:

The central flap thickness was 123 ± 15, 130 ± 14, and 127 ± 13 μm, respectively, at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month postoperatively in the MSU90 group (41 eyes) and 142 ± 20, 147 ± 19, and 143 ± 15 μm, respectively, in the MSU130 group (47 eyes). At 1 month, peripheral flap thickness was 161 ± 17 and 159 ± 13 μm, respectively, at 2.5 mm to the right and left of corneal center in the MSU90 group. The corresponding figures were 170 ± 14 and 167 ± 13 μm, respectively, in the MSU130 group. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups at all locations (P < 0.001). No statistically significant change in flap thickness was detected in either group at any assessment time. There was a partial positive correlation (after controlling for preoperative manifest refractive spherical equivalent) between central flap thickness and preoperative ultrasound central pachymetry (r = 0.739, P = 0.036) in the MSU90 group but not in the MSU130 group.

Conclusion:

Using OCT, changes in flap thickness were minimal in the first month after LASIK. Flap thickness correlated strongly with central corneal thickness if a 90 μm head was used.

LASIK and PRK in hyperopic astigmatic eyes: is early retreatment advisable?

Purpose

To analyze the refractive and keratometric stability in hyperopic astigmatic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) during the first 6 months after surgery.

Patients and methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study included 97 hyperopic eyes; 55 were treated with LASIK and 42 with PRK. Excimer ablation for all eyes was performed using the ALLEGRETTO excimer laser platform using a mitomycin C for PRK and a mechanical microkeratome for LASIK. Keratometric and refractive data were analyzed during three consecutive follow-up intervals (6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months). The corneal topography was obtained using Scheimpflug topography, and subjective refractions were acquired by expert optometrists according to a standardized protocol.

Results

After 3 months, mean keratometry and spherical equivalent were stable after LASIK, whereas PRK-treated eyes presented statistically significant (P<0.001) regression of hyperopia. In eleven cases, hyperopic regression of >1 D occurred. The optical zone diameter did not correlate with the development of regression.

Conclusion

After corneal laser refractive surgery, keratometric changes are followed by refractive changes and they occur up to 6 months after LASIK and for at least 6 months after PRK, and therefore, caution should be applied when retreatment is planned during the 1st year after surgery because hyperopic refractive regression can lead to suboptimal visual outcome. Keratometric and refractive stability is earlier achieved after LASIK, and therefore, retreatment may be independent of late regression.

In pursuit of objective dry eye screening clinical techniques

Dry eye is a multifactorial, progressive, and chronic disease of the tears and ocular surface. The disease is multi-factorial and has intermittent symptoms. Discomfort, visual disturbance, tear film instability with potential damage to the ocular surface, and increased tear film osmolarity are known associates.

Dry eye is a common clinical problem for eye-care providers worldwide and there is a large number of clinical investigative techniques for the evaluation of dry eye. Despite this, however, there is no globally accepted guideline for dry eye diagnosis and none of the available tests may hold the title of the ‘gold standard’. The majority of the techniques involved in the diagnosis of the disease, particularly for its early stages, has a large degree of subjectivity.

The purpose of this article is to review existing dry eye investigative techniques and to present a new objective dry eye screening technique based on optical coherence tomography.

Safety and efficacy of VisuMax® circle patterns for flap creation and enhancement following small incision lenticule extraction

Background

The purpose of this case series is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of VisuMax® Circle patterns in eyes that have undergone small incision lenticule extraction, thus creating a flap to perform an enhancement procedure or residual lenticule extraction.

Methods

This prospective, single center, case study series evaluated the use of a VisuMax® Circle pattern to create a corneal flap following small incision lenticule extraction. Patients were treated and followed at TRSC International LASIK Center (Bangkok, Thailand) for 3 months to assess the efficacy and safety of the procedure. Efficacy was determined by the surgeon’s ability to lift the created corneal flap.

Results

The study enrolled 28 eyes. Twenty-seven underwent the VisuMax® Circle pattern procedure for refractive enhancement, and one for residual lenticule extraction. In 100 % of cases (28 eyes) the lifting of the flap was possible, as planned. In all cases of refractive enhancement (27 eyes) by laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), the exposure of the stromal bed was sufficient for the necessary excimer laser ablation. No eyes lost two or more Snellen lines of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and no procedure or flap-related complications or serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusions

This initial case series demonstrates that VisuMax® Circle pattern is efficacious and a suitable method to create a corneal flap for enhancement, following small incision lenticule extraction.

Comparison of Corneal Epithelial Thickness Measurement Between Fourier-Domain OCT and Very High-Frequency Digital Ultrasound

PURPOSE

To compare measurements of corneal epithelial thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and very high-frequency digital ultrasound (VHFDU).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 189 virgin corneas and 175 post-laser refractive surgery (LRS) corneas that had corneal epithelial thickness measurement with RTVue Fourier-domain OCT (Optovue, Inc., Fremont, CA) (tear film included) and Artemis VHFDU (ArcScan Inc., Morrison, CO) (tear film excluded). Averages were calculated for the central 2-mm diameter zone and for two further concentric annuli of 1.5- and 0.5-mm width, each divided into eight sectors. Agreement was analyzed by mean difference (OCT - VHFDU), 95% limits of agreement (LoA) (1.96 standard deviation of the difference), and Bland-Altman analysis.

RESULTS

In virgin epithelium, mean central thickness was 53.4 ± 3.20 µm (range: 46 to 62 µm) with OCT and 54.1 ± 2.96 µm (range: 48 to 61 µm) with VHFDU; OCT measured thinnest in 70% with a mean difference of -0.71 µm (95% LoA of ± 3.94 µm, P < .001). In post-LRS epithelium, mean central thickness was 57.9 ± 6.08 µm (range: 42 to 77 µm) with OCT and 60.5 ± 6.47 µm (range: 42 to 79 µm) with VHFDU; OCT measured thinnest in 88%, with a mean difference of -2.48 µm (95% LoA of ± 5.33 µm, P < .001). A larger difference between methods was more common with thicker epithelium.

CONCLUSIONS

Corneal epithelial thickness measurements using OCT were found to be slightly thinner than for VHFDU. In contrast to VHFDU, OCT measurement includes the tear film, so the true difference is probably approximately 4 µm more than reported. The difference was greatest inferiorly and higher for post-LRS eyes and in thicker epithelium.

Corneal Epithelial Remodeling after LASIK Measured by Fourier-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose. To quantify corneal epithelial thickness changes after myopic LASIK by OCT. Methods. Epithelial thickness before and after myopic LASIK were measured by a Fourier-domain OCT system. Average central (within 1 mm diameter) and paracentral epithelial thickness (5~6 mm diameter) before and after LASIK were compared. Correlation between central epithelial thickness change and laser spherical equivalent setting was evaluated. An epithelial smoothing constant was estimated based on a mathematical model published previously. Results. Nineteen eyes from 11 subjects were included in the study. Eyes had myopic LASIK ranging from -1.69 D to -6.75 D spherical equivalent. The average central epithelial thickness was 52.6 ± 4.1 μm before LASIK and 56.2 ± 4.3 μm 3 months after LASIK (p = 0.002). The average paracentral epithelial thickness was 51.6 ± 6.6 μm before LASIK and 54.8 ± 4.3 μm 3 months after LASIK (p = 0.007). The change in average central epithelial thickness was correlated with laser spherical equivalent (R (2) = 0.40, p = 0.028). The epithelial smoothing constant was estimated to be 0.46 mm. Conclusions. Corneal epithelial thickens centrally and paracentrally after myopic LASIK. The extent of epithelial remodeling correlated with the amount of LASIK correction and could be predicted by a mathematical model.

Comparison of prophylactic higher fluence corneal cross-linking to control, in myopic LASIK, one year results

Purpose

To compare 1-year results: safety, efficacy, refractive and keratometric stability, of femtosecond myopic laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with and without concurrent prophylactic high-fluence cross-linking (CXL) (LASIK-CXL).

Methods

We studied a total of 155 consecutive eyes planned for LASIK myopic correction. Group A represented 73 eyes that were treated additionally with concurrent prophylactic high-fluence CXL; group B included 82 eyes subjected to the stand-alone LASIK procedure. The following parameters were evaluated preoperatively and up to 1-year postoperatively: manifest refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE), refractive astigmatism, visual acuity, corneal keratometry, and endothelial cell counts. We plotted keratometry measurements pre-operatively and its change in the early, interim and later post-operative time for the two groups, as a means of keratometric stability comparison.

Results

Group A (LASIK-CXL) had an average postoperative MRSE of −0.23, −0.19, and −0.19 D for the 3-, 6-, and 12-month period, respectively, compared to −6.58±1.98 D preoperatively. Flat keratometry was 37.69, 37.66, and 37.67 D, compared to 43.94 D preoperatively, and steep keratometry was 38.35, 38.36, and 38.37 D, compared to 45.17 D preoperatively. The predictability of Manifest Refraction Spherical Equivalent (MRSE) correction showed a correlation coefficient of 0.979. Group B (stand-alone LASIK) had an average postoperative MRSE of −0.23, −0.20, and −0.27 D for the 3-, 6-, and 12-month period, respectively, compared with −5.14±2.34 D preoperatively. Flat keratometry was 37.65, 37.89, and 38.02 D, compared with 43.15 D preoperatively, and steep keratometry was 38.32, 38.57, and 38.66 D, compared with 44.07 D preoperatively. The predictability of MRSE correction showed a correlation coefficient of 0.970. The keratometric stability plots were stable for the LASIK CXL group and slightly regressing in the standard LASIK group, a novel stability evaluation metric that may escape routine acuity and refraction measurements.

Conclusion

Application of prophylactic CXL concurrently with myopic LASIK surgery appears to contribute to improved refractive and keratometric stability compared to standard LASIK. The procedure appears safe and provides a new potential for LASIK correction.