title: Oculocardiac reflex during laser in situ keratomileusis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the occurrence of oculocardiac reflex during laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).
  
  
  METHODS
  Merida Ophthalmological Hospital, Mexico City, Mexico.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study included 20 patients who were given an electrocardiogram prior to, during, and after LASIK. Heart rate was noted before the procedure and during the preparation, placement of the patient under the microscope light, blepharostat application, and suction and laser treatment. The results in 1 eye of each patient were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 4 of the 20 patients (20%), the heart rate decreased during suction. In 2 of the 4, the decrease was 30% of baseline. In an additional 4 patients (20%), the heart rate increased more than 20% of baseline. This increase was detected prior to application of the suction ring. In the remaining 12 patients (60%), the heart rate did not change.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Electrocardiographic changes compatible with oculocardiac reflex occurred in 20% of patients in this study. The same percentage showed an increase in heart rate attributable to surgical stress.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Paciuc
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mendieta
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Naranjo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000601:surgery*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012024:Reflex, Oculocardiac; D013524:Surgical Flaps