Macular Integrity Assessment in Femto-LASIK
Purpose
Use of the femtosecond laser for flap-creation in laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) causes a temporary rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) up to 240mmHg. We aim to evaluate and the effects of femto-LASIK on macular sensitivity and function using microperimetry.
Methods
Twenty eyes treated with femto-LASIK (cases) and 20 eyes treated with LASEK (controls) underwent macular assessment using the MAIA (Macular Integrity Assessment) microperimeter, preoperatively, and at 30 minutes, 1-day and 1-week postoperatively.
Results
Post-operatively, there was a reduction in macular sensitivity at 30 minutes in the LASIK group, and this returned to normal at 1-day and 1-week. This correlated with a change in mean visual acuity from 0.3 decimal at 30-minutes to 0.95 at 1-day, and 1.02 at 1-week (p< 0.05) and with corneal edema, which was significant at 30-minutes and resolved at 1-day and 1-week. There was no significant change in preoperative and post-operative macular sensitivity in the LASEK group.
Conclusion
Macular sensitivity appears to be reduced in the early period post- femto-LASIK and returns to normal after one day. The early postoperative reduction in sensitivity is most likely due to postoperative flap edema