Abstract
Purpose :
To compare the changes of Corneal Mechanical Sensitivity after Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), Laser in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK), and Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) using Non-Contact Brill Engines Esthesiometer (BEE).
Methods :
This retrospective, comparative case series was designed to assess outcomes following refractive procedures performed at a large surgical center by cornea specialists between August 1, 2023 and October 31, 2023. Three refractive surgical techniques were compared: PRK, LASIK, and SMILE. Preoperative Corneal Mechanical Sensitivity was assessed with the Brill Engines Esthesiometer, a non-contact esthesiometer that use air-jet stimulation The testing was conducted according to the manufacturer's instructions. Corneal mechanical sensitivity was assessed by applying increasing stimuli and recording three measurements for each level of intensity preoperatively, con day 1, 7 an 30 after surgery. The average pressure measured were computed.
Results :
A total of 46 patients (92 eyes) met the inclusion criteria: 34 eyes in the LASIK group, 36 eyes in the PRK group, 22 eyes in the SMILE group, 65.21% women, were included. The mean age was 27.75 ± 5.37 years in LASIK group, 27.28±6.33 years in the PRK group and 24.94±3.65 years in the SMILE GROUP group, no adjustment for age or sex was required. The preoperative mean pressure readings for corneal sensitivity obtained with the BEE were 3.40 ± 0.95 mBar, with minimal and maximal values of 2.5 and 6.4 mBar.
ANOVA test was performed to determine changes between groups. Statistically significant differences in the perception of stimulus between the three groups were found (p = 0.03). No significant differences between the LASIK and PRK groups were found.
Conclusions :
The BRILL esthesiometer proved to be an effective and safe tool for non-contact assessment of corneal sensitivity with operator-independent repeatability. Compared to LASIK and PRK, the SMILE procedure affects less the corneal sensitivity
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.