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Laser in situ keratomileusis and surface ablation in pregnancy

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First Author: N.Alonso-Santander SPAIN

Co Author(s):    J. Ortega-Usobiaga   J. Beltrán-Sanz   V. Druchkiv   F. Llovet-Osuna   J. Baviera-Sabater        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Although corneal refractive surgery is contraindicated during pregnancy, some patients are unaware that they are pregnant when surgery. Our objectives were to determine the functional outcomes of corneal refractive surgery during pregnancy and to compare the results with non-pregnant women.

Setting:

Clínica Baviera, Spain (AIER Eye Hospital Group).

Methods:

We performed a multicenter, retrospective, interventional case series review of patients who were pregnant and who underwent laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or surface ablation (photorefractive keratectomy, PRK) from 2002-09-11 to 2020-12-12 (group 1, n=75 eyes). Patients were included consecutively. Findings were compare with those of non-pregnant women (group 2, n=150 eyes). Functional (visual and refractive) outcomes are described. Follow- up was at least 550 days (control group, median [QR]): 990 days [(715-/1496]); study group, 895 days [(709-/1310]).

Results:

Significant differences were found between the groups in terms of efficacy (EI), predictability (EP), and safety (SI) indexes. No complications of pregnancy or labor were reported. Similarly, a search of medical records revealed no adverse effects in the infants. EI and SI differ significantly depending on the statistical test, although the difference is not clinically relevant. The predictability of SE ± 0.50D was 69% in group 1 (study) and 80% in group 2 (control).

Conclusions:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case series on pregnancy and refractive surgery. We found differences in terms of efficacy, safety and predictability. We do not recommend performing LASIK or Surface Ablation on pregnant women. Our objective in the present study was to present relevant scientific data obtained from women who underwent refractive surgery while unaware that they were pregnant

Financial Disclosure:

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