Retina is Safe Even After 10 Years of LASIK in High Myopia
Purpose
To evaluate the retinal condition in very high myopic eyes after 10 years following LASIK and to find out whether LASIK had cause additional threat to retina.
Methods
In this retrospective study, out of 870 eyes operated for LASIK during year 2000 to 2004, 126 eyes had myopia between -10 D to -15 D. 68 eyes were lost to follow up while 58 eyes (mean refractive error -12.25 D) were followed regularly. Complete retinal evaluation with dilated pupils was done. Flaps of 90 to 110 µm were carefully made using microkeratome. Excimer laser was used for ablation keeping minimum 270 µm stromal bed after ablation. Patients were examined regularly every one to two years up to 10 yrs for retinal condition with dilated pupil.
Results
Thirteen eyes (22.41%) needed either Cryopexy or Diode Laser to treat lattice degeneration preoperatively. During 10 yrs, 7 eyes (12.06%) needed Diode Laser for lattice degeneration. 2 eyes (3.45%) developed RD which were successfully treated but 2 eyes (3.45%) had inoperable retinal detachment, 2 eyes (3.45%) had macular haemorrhage, 2 eyes (3.45%) had SRNVM, while 50 (86.20%) eyes had myopic but healthy retina with BVA 20/80 to 20/20. Results were compared with literature and were matching with non-operated high myopic eyes.
Conclusion
Fifty-eight high myopic eyes were followed up for 10 years after LASIK. 7 eyes (12.06%) had new lattice degeneration, 2 eyes (3.45%) each developed RD, macular haemorrhage and SRNVM. It could be concluded that LASIK did not cause additional threat to retina as they could have happened without LASIK also.