[Rational management of applanation tonometry in myopia after LASIK].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the accuracy and to identify pitfalls when intraocular pressure is measured in myopic patients after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).


METHODS
A retrospective study of intraocular pressure (IOP) measured with a Goldmann applanation tonometer in 103 eyes of 52 myopic patients who underwent LASIK was performed. Patients without ocular hypertension or glaucoma were selected. The same surgeon carried out a standard LASIK technique using a microkeratome Chiron Hansatome and the Technolas Chiron 217-C Lasik. IOP was measured pre-operatively, and at 1, 3 and 6 months post-operatively.


RESULTS
After LASIK, a significant decrease was observed in the IOP in the post-operative controls, with a mean decrease of 2.69+/-1.69 mm Hg (p<0.001). This was related with the degree of myopia (p=0.05) and the characteristics of the excimer-laser treatment parameters, such as corneal ablation (p=0.04). No correlation was observed between this decrease and age or gender.


CONCLUSIONS
Our retrospective review showed that the post-operative intraocular pressure measured after LASIK was lower than the pre-operative ones, which changed the Goldmann tomometer accuracy, thus causing it to underestimate the IOP.
Lleó Pérez
A
A
Clínica Oftalmológica Rahhal, Valencia, España.
Alonso Muñoz
L
L
Grimaldos Ruiz
J
J
Alcañiz Artolozábal
T
T
Verdú Jaspe
C
C
Aguilar Valenzuela
L
L
Rahhal
M S
MS
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014065:Tonometry, Ocular