Early changes in corneal sensation, ocular surface integrity, and tear-film function after laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the changes in corneal sensation, ocular surface integrity, and tear-film function after laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK).


METHODS
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.


METHODS
Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy was performed in 21 consecutive patients (37 myopic eyes). The patients were observed for subjective complaints of dry eye, corneal sensation, tear-film breakup time (BUT), Schirmer test without local anesthesia, and fluorescein and lissamin-green staining preoperatively and 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.


RESULTS
The subjective score for dry-eye symptoms was not statistically significantly higher after the procedure. Corneal sensation was reduced up to 1 month after LASEK (P<.05). There were obvious decreases in BUT at 1 week and 1 month (P<.01) and no significant changes in Schirmer test results. In fluorescein staining of the cornea, dots were more concentrated at 1 week (P<.05). In lissamin-green staining, no significant changes were found at any follow-up examination.


CONCLUSIONS
Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy induced a short-term reduction in corneal sensation and affected the ocular surface and tear film slightly. Epithelial flap repositioning in LASEK may have a positive influence on tear-film and ocular-surface factors.
Horwath-Winter
Jutta
J
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria. jutta.borwath@meduni-graz.at
Vidic
Bertram
B
Schwantzer
Gerold
G
Schmut
Otto
O
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000502:physiology*; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000503:physiopathology; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal; D005260:Female; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D006801:Humans; D049008:Keratectomy, Subepithelial, Laser-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013666:Tears / Q000502:physiology*
D005456:Fluorescent Dyes