title: Objective Monitoring of Corneal Backward Light Scattering After Femtosecond Laser-assisted LASIK.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the changes in corneal backward light scattering, as measured by a rotating Scheimpflug camera with automated corneal densitometry software, in eyes treated with femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK (FS-LASIK).
  
  
  METHODS
  The cornea was examined preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, and 6 months in 23 patients who underwent myopic FS-LASIK. Local analysis of corneal backscatter was performed on four concentric radial zones across a 12-mm diameter (0 to 2, 2 to 6, 6 to 10, and 10 to 12 mm) and at a different corneal depth (anterior 120 µm, central and posterior 60 µm).
  
  
  RESULTS
  A statistically significant increase in corneal backward light scattering (P < .0001) was detected within the central 10 mm of the anterior cornea. The increase in corneal densitometry was gradually reversed over 6 months. The difference compared to preoperative values was no longer statistically significant at 3 and 6 months after surgery in the central cornea, whereas it remained significant in the mid-peripheral annulus (ranging from 6 to 10 mm), where the flap edge was located.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  FS-LASIK is followed by an increase in corneal backward light scattering during the early postoperative period that returns to baseline by 3 months. Whereas the increase in corneal densitometry at the flap edge location can be related to a scarring reaction, the explanation for such an increase in the central anterior cornea remains speculative.
authors.forename: Giacomo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Savini
authors.forename: Jinhai
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lombardo
authors.forename: Sebastiano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Serrao
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Schiano-Lomoriello
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Venanzio
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ducoli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003315:Cornea / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003720:Densitometry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000379:methods*; D054018:Lasers, Excimer / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D010781:Photography; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult