Effect of laser in situ keratomileusis for hyperopia on tear film and ocular surface.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for hyperopia on the tear film and ocular surface.


METHODS
A retrospective 12-month analysis of 88 eyes (88 participants) who had LASIK for hyperopia was performed. Participants were evaluated before and after (2 weeks, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months) surgery for dry eye symptoms (McMonnies Dry Eye Survey primary symptoms), tear film stability (fluorescein break-up time), tear volume (phenol red thread test), ocular surface staining (fluorescein), and conjunctival goblet cell density.


RESULTS
Chronic dry eye was experienced by 32% of participants; symptoms were significantly associated with female gender, preoperative dry eye symptoms, lower tear film stability after surgery, greater ocular surface staining after surgery, lower tear volume before and after surgery, and lower goblet cell densities after surgery. Regression rate 12 months after surgery was 32% and significantly associated with female gender, chronic dry eye symptoms, lower tear film stability after surgery, greater ocular surface staining before and after surgery, and lower tear volume before and after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Dry eye, particularly in females, is problematic after LASIK for hyperopia and is associated with refractive regression. Current methods for managing the tear film and ocular surface may not control LASIK-induced dry eye, particularly in some females during the first 6 months after surgery.
Albietz
Julie M
JM
Queensland University of Technology, Centre for Eye Research, Brisbane, Australia. julie@darkoptics.com.au
Lenton
Lee M
LM
McLennan
Suzanne G
SG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002452:Cell Count; D003315:Cornea / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D020397:Goblet Cells / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D006956:Hyperopia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism