[Quantitative changes in tear film after refractive surgery: comparative study between PRK and LASIK].
OBJECTIVE
To compare quantitative changes induced in the tear film of patients submitted to photorefractive keratectomy and LASIK over a year.


METHODS
A prospective, longitudinal, comparative, post-interventional study was designed to distinguish tear film changes before and one year after refractive surgery procedures in 48 patients submitted to PRK and 36 patients submitted to LASIK, using type 1 Schirmer test in the right eye and red phenol thread test in the left eye.


RESULTS
Tear film assessment between the first and third postoperative month demonstrated Schirmer and phenol red measurements below basal values for both procedures. One year after the procedures, measurements returned to presurgical values.


CONCLUSIONS
Besides momentary and within normal limit changes in the measurement of tear film, no complications were found in normal patients.
Credie
Marcelo Galiano
MG
Setor de Córnea e Doenças Externas, Departamento de Oftalmologia, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Nishiwaki-Dantas
Maria Cristina
MC
Felberg
Sérgio
S
Amorim
Fabiana
F
Dantas
Paulo Elias Correa
PE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000378:metabolism*; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism*