Corneal sensation after correction of myopia by photorefractive keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) on corneal sensation.


METHODS
Ohshima Hospital of Ophthalmology, Fukuoka, Japan.


METHODS
Corneal sensation was measured with a Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer in 35 patients before and 3 days, 1 week, and 1 and 3 months after correction of myopia by PRK (22 patients) or LASIK (13 patients).


RESULTS
After PRK, corneal sensitivity was decreased slightly at 3 days, began to recover at 1 week, and returned to preoperative values at 3 months; none of the changes was statistically significant (P >.05). After LASIK, corneal sensation was significantly decreased at 3 days, 1 week, and 1 month; it recovered slightly at 3 months, although it remained significantly less than preoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Laser in situ keratomileusis was associated with a negative effect on corneal sensation, which was markedly greater than the effect with PRK and was evident for at least 3 months after surgery.
Ohshima Hospital of Ophthalmology, Fukuoka, Japan.
H
H
Matsui
Y
Y
Kumano
I
I
Zushi
T
T
Yamada
T
T
Matsui
T
T
Nishida
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000009:adverse effects*; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors