Posters
The effect of flap thickness on tear film and ocular surface after myopic femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis
Poster Details
First Author: M.Smorawski POLAND
Co Author(s): J. Sierdziński J. Wierzbowska
Abstract Details
Purpose:
FemtoLASIK (FL) is currently the most popular method of laser refractive surgery. The most often side effect of FL is dry eye syndrome (DES). The purpose of the study was to assess the influence of the thickness of the corneal flap on the tear film and ocular surface in patients with myopia in a 6-month observation.
Setting. Eye Surgery Clinic Optegra, Warsaw.
Setting:
Optegra Eye Clinic, Warsaw.
Methods:
An open, prospective, 6-month study. The study included 143 patients (143 eyes, 80 women, mean age 27,6 ± 5,9 years) with myopia between – 0,75 and -7,75 diopters (D) (mean SE 4,76 ± 1,63 D), in which the FL procedure (Ziemer LDV 4/ MEL 80, Zeiss) was performed. The material was divided into two groups: 110 and 140, depending on the thickness of the flap (110/140 microns). Schirmer test I, II, tear break-up time (TBUT) and corneal staining with fluorescein were performed before the procedure, then after 1 week and 1, 2, 4 and 6 months after the surgery.
Results:
TBUT decreased by 29% in the 110 group and by 38% in the 140 group (p<0,001). Decreasing of Schirmer I was significantly higher in the 140 group compared to the 110 group (23% vs. 15%, p<0,0001). Corneal staining score was significantly higher in group 140 (2,12 vs. 0,91, p<0,0001). Regression analysis showed the effect of flap thickness and female gender on the prevalence of postoperative DES (odds ratio, OR 1,78 and OR 1, 38 respectively). There was no relationship between postoperative DES and age or depth of laser ablation.
Conclusions:
Correction of myopia with FL procedure is associated with changes in tear film and ocular surface conditions. Female gender and the use of a thicker corneal flap significantly affects the occurrence of postoperative DES.
Financial Disclosure:
None
