Incidence of posterior vitreous detachment after laser in situ keratomileusis.
BACKGROUND
Vitreoretinal complications are rare in laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Increase in intraocular pressure caused by intraoperative suction with subsequent deforming of the ocular globe and excimer laser shock during the ablation have been discussed as possible causes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of LASIK on the vitreous body.


METHODS
In a prospective study we performed ocular ultrasonography (B scan) immediately before and 1 week after LASIK procedure in 103 myopic or myopic-astigmatic eyes (53 patients, mean age 36.3 years, 32 women, 21 men). In particular, the prevalence, localization, and extent of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) were determined.


RESULTS
The mean spherical equivalent was -4.85 D (range -1.25 to -8.38) and the mean anteroposterior ocular globe length was 25.13 mm (range 23.31-27.65). Ninety-five eyes (92.2%) had no PVD preoperatively. Nine eyes out of this group (seven patients, 9.5%) developed incomplete PVD as assessed 1 week postoperatively. Eight eyes (7.8%) had a partial PVD preoperatively and in only one eye was an extension of vitreous detachment observed after the surgery. None of the preoperatively measured parameters could predict the occurrence of PVD by LASIK.


CONCLUSIONS
LASIK may in rare cases lead to new occurrence of PVD or extension of a previously existing partial PVD.
Mirshahi
Alireza
A
Department of Ophthalmology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Schöpfer
Dörte
D
Gerhardt
Daniel
D
Terzi
Evdoxia
E
Kasper
Thomas
T
Kohnen
Thomas
T
D000328:Adult; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography; D020255:Vitreous Detachment / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*