Choroidal neovascularization in myopic eyes after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the appearance and characteristics of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in patients with high myopia corrected by laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).


METHODS
The authors studied CNV in 2955 consecutive eyes (1632 patients) that underwent LASIK for the correction of myopia (from -6 to -27.5 diopters). Follow-up was 34.2+/-11.3 months.


RESULTS
Choroidal neovascularization occurred in three eyes (0.10%) and in one eye previous CNV was reactivated (three women, one man). The time interval between refractive surgery and CNV was 13+/-9.5 months (range, 4-26 months). Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after LASIK and before CNV development was 20/57 (range, 20/100-20/29). After the appearance of CNV, mean BCVA was 20/606 (range, 20/2000-20/80). Differences between BCVA before and after CNV were statistically significant (P = 0.04, paired Student's t-test). The CNV was treated in two cases by argon laser photocoagulation and in two cases by surgical excision of CNV by vitrectomy. The final mean BCVA was 20/277 (range, 20/800-20/50). Differences between BCVA after LASIK and after CNV treatment were statistically significant (P = 0.04, paired Student's t-test).


CONCLUSIONS
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis as a correcting procedure for myopia was followed by low appearance of CNV. The appearance and treatment of CNV was followed by a significant decrease of BCVA.
Ruiz-Moreno
J M
JM
Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Hernández University School of Medicine, Alicante, Spain. jm.ruiz@umh.ed
Pérez-Santonja
J J
JJ
Alió
J L
JL
D000328:Adult; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008297:Male; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014821:Vitrectomy