Recovery of corneal sensation after myopic correction by laser in situ keratomileusis with a nasal or superior hinge.
OBJECTIVE
To measure corneal sensitivity after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) to determine the time required for recovery of this parameter.


METHODS
Ohshima Hospital of Ophthalmology, Fukuoka, Japan.


METHODS
Corneal sensation was measured with a Cochet-Bonnet-type esthesiometer in 75 patients before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after correction of myopia by photorefractive keratectomy (n = 21) or LASIK (n = 54).


RESULTS
Photorefractive keratectomy did not affect corneal sensation. In the LASIK group, a large and significant decrease in corneal sensitivity was apparent at 1 month (P<.05). Although corneal sensitivity appeared to have recovered slightly at 3 months, it remained significantly decreased (P<.05). By 6 or 12 months, the corneal sensitivity in LASIK patients was not statistically different from the preoperative values in the study patients. A significantly greater decrease in corneal sensitivity was apparent in the LASIK patients with a nasal hinge than in those with a superior hinge (F = 7.54, P<.01). Corneal sensitivity was in the normal range in 31.5% of LASIK patients at 3 months and in 57.4% and 82.1% at 6 and 12 months, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Recovery of corneal sensation had begun 3 months after LASIK and appeared complete after 12 months.
Kumano
Yuji
Y
Ohshima Hospital of Ophthalmology, Fukuoka, Japan. ohshimah@mocha.ocn.ne.jp
Matsui
Hiroyasu
H
Zushi
Ikuko
I
Mawatari
Asami
A
Matsui
Takao
T
Nishida
Teruo
T
Miyazaki
Miho
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000379:methods*; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000379:methods; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013997:Time Factors