Posters

Dry eye evaluation and corneal surface restoration after LASEK in patients receiving preservative-free lubricant for one and three months

Poster Details

First Author: N.Kachuriak UKRAINE

Co Author(s):    N. Polunina   I. Kaplin                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To assess dry eye symptoms and corneal surface regularity after laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) and investigate the need for long term postoperative use of preservative-free lubricants.

Setting:

Kyiv Eye Microsurgery Center

Methods:

Sixty eyes of 9 men and 21 women who underwent LASEK with postoperative sphere equivalent (SE) ±0.5D were included in this study. All patients were randomly divided into two groups. Main group (30 eyes) received preservative-free lubricant within three months and control group (30 eyes) received preservative-free lubricant within only one month. Corneal topography was measured to assess index of surface variance (ISV) and the index of vertical asymmetry (IVA). Dry eye tests including subjective symptom questionnare  (Ocular Surface Disease Index - OSDI), tear breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer's test (ST) were evaluated at 1 and 3 months postoperatively.

Results:

In both groups, corneal surface indices decreased over time, which reflects corneal surface regularization in whole. The differences in data 1 and 3 months potoperatively: main group  ΔISV 8.7,  ΔIVA 0.1; and control group: ΔISV 6.1,  ΔIVA 0.08. The OSDI score has significantly decreased (main group ΔOSDI 15.6, control group ΔOSDI 5.7 ) and  TBUT has noticeably increased, while ST has increased slightly ( main group ΔTBUT 4.62, ΔST 1,19, control group ΔTBUT 3,41, ΔST 1,21). Сorneal surface restoration, tear film stability, subjective symptom assessment was more remarkable in the main group, while tear secretion recovery was almost the same.

Conclusions:

Over time, after surgery, the symptoms of dry eyes decrease, and the cornea restores the regularity of the surface. Prolonged postoperative use of preservative-free lubricants allows a more noticeable reduction in the symptoms of dry eyes and results in greater patient satisfaction.

Financial Disclosure:

None