Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To investigate the effect of hinge width on corneal sensation and dry eye following LASIK. Methods: Fifty-four patients underwent bilateral LASIK using the Amadeus microkeratome with adjustable hinge width. Hinge width was randomly assigned to 12mm in one eye and 6 mm in the contralateral eye. Masked Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometry, lissamine green corneal and conjunctival staining, Schirmer testing with anesthesia, and tear film break-up time were performed preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. Results: There was a greater decrease in corneal sensation in eyes with the narrow hinge as compared to eyes with the wider hinge at all postoperative visits (P<0.001). Dry eye signs and symptoms were greatest during the immediate postoperative period and improved at all subsequent visits. Dry eye signs and symptoms were greater in the eyes with the narrow hinge as compared to eyes with the wider hinge. Conclusion: The corneal hinge in LASIK provides a conduit for nerves to enter the central cornea. Corneal sensation and dry eye signs and symptoms were significantly better in eyes with a wide hinge than in eyes with a narrower hinge.
Keywords: 548 refractive surgery: LASIK • 376 cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye