title: Comparison of corneal sensitivity and tear function following Epi-LASIK or laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the effect of Epi-LASIK or Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) on corneal sensitivity and tear function.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, non-randomized comparative clinical trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-nine eyes (Group A) underwent Epi-LASIK and 61 eyes underwent LASIK (Group B) for the treatment of myopia. Matching parameters between the groups were age and attempted correction. Corneal sensitivity, tear break-up time (BUT), and Schirmer test II were evaluated before and at one, three, and six months after the procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Corneal sensitivity and BUT were decreased at one month in Group A (P < .001) to be restored by the third month (P = .71 and P = .58, respectively). In Group B, corneal sensitivity and BUT were reduced postoperatively (P < .001). There was a significant difference in corneal sensitivity between the two groups at all postoperative intervals. Schirmer test II was not significantly decreased postoperatively in Group A. In Group B, it was decreased at one and three months and restored by the sixth month.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Epi-LASIK-treated eyes had faster rehabilitation of corneal sensitivity and tear function than LASIK-treated eyes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece. mariakalyvianaki@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Maria I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Kalyvianaki
authors.forename: Vikentia J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Katsanevaki
authors.forename: Dimitra S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Kavroulaki
authors.forename: George A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Kounis
authors.forename: Efstathios T
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Detorakis
authors.forename: Ioannis G
authors.initials: IG
authors.lastname: Pallikaris
mesh_terms: D003315:Cornea / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; D009216:Myopia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology; D013666:Tears / Q000502:physiology*