Tear Film Function and Corneal Sensation After LASEK for the Correction of Myopia

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: Corneal nerves are damaged during LASEK surgery. This leads to a reduction of corneal sensation and to alterations of the tear film function. 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 without local anaesthesia, tear film breakup time, fluorescein staining of the cornea 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 after LASEK and reaches preoperative values 2 months after surgery. Fluorescein staining was increased 3 days and 1 week after LASEK. Subjective symptoms of a dry eye were increased during the first 2 months after LASEK. Concerning the Schirmer Test no significant changes were assessed after surgery as compared to preoperative values. Conclusions: LASEK surgery alters tear film function and reduces corneal sensation in the early postoperative period. Subjective symptoms of a dry eye were described 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.

Keywords: refractive surgery • cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye • cornea: clinical science