Decrease in tear secretion and corneal sensitivity after laser in situ keratomileusis

• Published in: Cornea Vol. 20; no. 1; p. 30
• Main Authors: Benitez-del-Castillo, J M, del Rio, T, Iradier, T, Hernández, J L, Castillo, A, Garcia-Sanchez, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.01.2001
• Subjects: Adult; Blinking; Cornea - innervation; Cornea - physiopathology; Cornea - surgery; Dry Eye Syndromes - etiology; Dry Eye Syndromes - metabolism; Dry Eye Syndromes - physiopathology; Dry Eye Syndromes - prevention & control; Female; Humans; Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ - adverse effects; Male; Middle Aged; Myopia - surgery; Ophthalmic Solutions - administration & dosage; Postoperative Period; Prospective Studies; Recovery of Function; Sensory Thresholds; Tears - secretion
• ISSN: 0277-3740
• DOI: 10.1097/00003226-200101000-00005

To evaluate tear secretion and corneal sensitivity after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the correction of myopia. In a prospective study, 48 consecutive eyes (24 patients) underwent LASIK to correct myopia ranging from -3.5 to -12.25 diopters. Tear secretion tested by the tear function index and corneal sensitivity tested using the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer were evaluated preoperatively and 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively. Tear secretion and corneal sensitivity after LASIK were reduced during the first 3 months after surgery (p<0.001). Tear secretion returned to its preoperative values only after 9 months. Tear secretion and corneal sensitivity were more depressed in long-term contact lens wearers preoperatively and 6 months after surgery (p<0.05). In the correction of myopia, tear secretion was depressed after LASIK during the first 6 months after surgery.