Characteristics of sixty myopic eyes with pre-laser in situ keratomileusis retinal examination and post-laser in situ keratomileusis retinal lesions.
OBJECTIVE
A survey of eyes with pre-laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) retinal examinations and characteristics of post-LASIK retinal breaks and retinal detachments (RDs).


METHODS
A survey of worldwide vitreoretinal surgeons (424 physicians). Surveyed information included demographics, best-corrected visual acuity, degree of myopia, pre- and post-LASIK retinal findings, follow-up time, and treatment outcome.


RESULTS
Sixty eyes with pre-LASIK retinal examinations developed post-LASIK retinal breaks and RDs. There was an average of 2.3 breaks per eye, yielding a total of 140 breaks in the 60 eyes. Forty eyes also had RDs besides the retinal breaks. Large percentages of eyes had substantial myopia (mean myopia, -9.5 +/- 5.8 diopters [D]) and complex vitreoretinal complications. Forty percent developed vitreoretinal complications within 6 months after LASIK. The 20 eyes that developed more extensive RDs (>3 clock hours) had a significantly higher mean myopia than did the 6 eyes that developed limited RD (< or = 3 clock hours) within 12 months after LASIK (-8.92 +/- 6.82 D versus -3.50 +/- 1.97 D, P = 0.03). There were significant statistical differences in distribution of retinal breaks and tears between the temporal and nasal quadrants (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively, chi2, but not between the superior and inferior quadrants.


CONCLUSIONS
Distributions of retinal breaks in this study were comparable with results found in non-LASIK eyes in young myopes. Treatment for post-LASIK vitreoretinal complications was highly successful. The vulnerability of such highly myopic eyes for vitreoretinal complications warrants their close monitoring.
Chan
Clement K
CK
Southern California Desert Retina Consultants, Palm Springs, California 92263, USA. pschen@aol.com
Arevalo
J Fernando
JF
Akbatur
H Haluk
HH
Sengün
Ahmet
A
Yoon
Young Hee
YH
Lee
Geun Jang
GJ
Tarasewicz
Dariusz G
DG
Lin
Steven G
SG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery; D017679:Cryotherapy; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000009:adverse effects*; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012591:Scleral Buckling; D014821:Vitrectomy