Importance of fundoscopy in refractive surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the incidence, treatment, and outcomes of retinal lesions before and after refractive laser surgery.


METHODS
Private refractive surgery practice.


METHODS
A retrospective review was conducted of patients attending the laser clinic over a 3-year period. Examined were the incidence, type, management, and outcomes of the posterior segment abnormalities encountered.


RESULTS
Fifty two (1.1%) of 4800 patients had posterior segment pathology requiring intervention. Forty-five cases (0.86%) were detected preoperatively and had a mean refraction of -4.5 diopters (D) +/- 3.0 (SD). Seven cases (0.14%) were detected postoperatively at a mean follow-up of 19 +/- 18.3 months; none had preoperative pathology. The mean refraction in this group was -4.4 +/- 2.3 D. Ninety-five percent had myopic prescriptions. All maintained best corrected visual acuity postoperatively. The incidence of retinal detachment was 0.03% per year in the myopic candidates; however, no cases occurred after the refractive procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
Dilated fundus examination is an integral part of optimum clinical care in refractive patients, and shared preoperative assessment by a retinal specialist is advisable in those with predisposing retinal pathology.
Brady
Janice
J
Department of Refractive Surgery, Mater Private Hospital, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
O'Keefe
Michael
M
Kilmartin
Dara
D
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D049008:Keratectomy, Subepithelial, Laser-Assisted; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome