Changes in corneal thickness and curvature after different excimer laser photorefractive procedures and their impact on intraocular pressure measurements.
BACKGROUND
Excimer laser refractive surgery alters the shape and thickness of the cornea by removing central corneal tissue with submicrometer precision. The aim of the study was to analyze the changes in central corneal thickness (CCT) and curvature before and after different excimer laser photorefractive procedures and their possible impact on intraocular pressure (IOP) estimations with Goldmann applanation tonometry.


METHODS
Data on CCT, corneal curvature and IOP readings with Goldmann applanation tonometry before and after excimer laser photorefractive surgery were analyzed retrospectively. The data was further analyzed separately in two subgroups; the photorefractive keratectomy /laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis (PRK/LASEK) group and the laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) group.


RESULTS
The overall post-operative IOP readings were significantly lower than pre-operative values. There was a significant difference in the lowering of the IOP readings between the two subgroups: LASIK caused a lower IOP reading than PRK/LASEK.


CONCLUSIONS
The change in corneal thickness and curvature affects the estimation of IOP with Goldmann applanation tonometry after excimer laser photorefractive surgery. The amount of reduction in IOP reading might be influenced by the specific laser surgical procedure. This is of clinical importance in the evaluation of any future glaucoma in the increasing number of patients who undergo photorefractive laser surgery.
St Erik's Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Helena
H
Svedberg
Enping
E
Chen
Helene
H
Hamberg-Nyström
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D048988:Corneal Surgery, Laser; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D012030:Refractive Errors / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D054140:Refractive Surgical Procedures; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014065:Tonometry, Ocular / Q000379:methods*