title: Effect of corneal curvature and corneal thickness on the assessment of intraocular pressure using noncontact tonometry in patients after myopic LASIK surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effect of corneal curvature and corneal thickness on the assessment of intraocular pressure (IOP) using noncontact tonometry (NCT) in patients after myopic LASIK surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  All patients who had myopic LASIK in a university-based eye clinic between February 2002 and May 2002 were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative NCT was compared with postoperative NCT, postoperative corneal thickness, and postoperative corneal curvature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The difference between the mean preoperative NCT (15.46 +/- 2.50 mm Hg) and postoperative NCT (6.30 +/- 1.57 mm Hg) was significant (9.16 +/- 1.96 mm Hg, P < 0.010). Preoperative NCT significantly correlated with postoperative NCT (P < 0.001), postoperative corneal thickness (P = 0.006), and postoperative anterior corneal curvature (P < 0.010).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both corneal thickness and anterior corneal curvature affect IOP assessment in patients with myopic LASIK. Although correction formulas can be used to estimate the actual IOP, alternative methods should be investigated to assess IOP independent of corneal thickness and curvature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, University Eye Center, Hong Kong Eye Hospital, 147K Argyle Street, People's Republic of China. artcheng@netvigator.com
authors.forename: Arthur C K
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Dorothy
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fan
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: Dennis S C
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Lam
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D003315:Cornea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014065:Tonometry, Ocular; D014463:Ultrasonography