Decrease in tear secretion and corneal sensitivity after laser in situ keratomileusis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate tear secretion and corneal sensitivity after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the correction of myopia.


METHODS
In a prospective study, 48 consecutive eyes (24 patients) underwent LASIK to correct myopia ranging from -3.5 to -12.25 diopters. Tear secretion tested by the tear function index and corneal sensitivity tested using the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer were evaluated preoperatively and 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively.


RESULTS
Tear secretion and corneal sensitivity after LASIK were reduced during the first 3 months after surgery (p<0.001). Tear secretion returned to its preoperative values only after 9 months. Tear secretion and corneal sensitivity were more depressed in long-term contact lens wearers preoperatively and 6 months after surgery (p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
In the correction of myopia, tear secretion was depressed after LASIK during the first 6 months after surgery.
Benitez-del-Castillo
J M
JM
Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmologicas Ramon Castroviejo, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
del Rio
T
T
Iradier
T
T
Hernández
J L
JL
Castillo
A
A
Garcia-Sanchez
J
J
D000328:Adult; D001767:Blinking; D003315:Cornea / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism*
D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions