Proposed mechanism for retinal tears after LASIK: an experimental model.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate axial length changes associated with anterior shift of the lens/iris diaphragm and anterior vitreous base in human cadaver eyes during suction ring application preceding Moria LASIK, and to propose that these changes may be associated with anterior retinal tears.


METHODS
Human eye study.


METHODS
Eight human eye bank eyes ranging in age from 65 to 73 years. Two eyes had a history of intraocular surgery involving cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation.


METHODS
Measurements of intraocular pressure via internal manometer and Tono-Pen, anterior chamber depth, and axial length before and after application of a Moria LASIK suction ring.


METHODS
Change in anterior chamber depth and axial length after Moria LASIK suction ring application.


RESULTS
Axial length increases (mean change = 1.125 mm, P = 0.02) after application of the suction ring, whereas anterior chamber depth shows no significant difference (mean change = -0.01 mm, P = 0.98), suggesting anterior movement of the vitreous base resulting in traction on the anterior retina.


CONCLUSIONS
Axial length increase with anterior displacement of the vitreous base during suction ring placement might predispose susceptible eyes to anterior retinal tears during and after LASIK.
Flaxel
Christina J
CJ
Doheny Retina Institute of the Doheny Eye Institute, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA. cflaxel@dohenyeyinstitute.org
Choi
Young H
YH
Sheety
Michael
M
Oeinck
Stephen Christopher
SC
Lee
Joe Y
JY
McDonnell
Peter J
PJ
D000368:Aged; D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D005123:Eye / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D008365:Manometry; D008954:Models, Biological; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000209:etiology*