Antiglaucoma drug may improve post-LASIK refractive outcomes

An antiglaucoma drug may also be effective for reducing refractive regression after LASIK — including spherical errors, according to a prospective study by researchers in Japan.

"It is suggested that backward movement of the cornea may occur, possibly flattening the corneal curvature by lowering the IOP," the study authors said.

Kazutaka Kamiya, MD, and colleagues at University of Kitasato School of Medicine in Kanagawa and Sanno Hospital Tokyo, evaluated the 3-month refractive outcomes of 27 eyes that received nipradilol 2.5% twice daily after undergoing LASIK. These eyes had an average myopic regression of 1.26 D, according to the study, published in the February issue of American Journal of Ophthalmology.

At 3 months, the mean manifest refraction had improved significantly from -1.02 D to -0.44 D (P < .001). Mean manifest astigmatism also improved from -0.55 D to -0.49 D, although the difference was not statistically significant, the authors reported.

Central corneal thickness remained relatively stable in all eyes, ranging from 505.2 µm at baseline to 503.6 µm at 3 months follow-up (P = .61), they noted.

Also at 3 months, the posterior corneal surface had shifted posteriorly by 9.1 ?m, and the total refractive power of the cornea had decreased by 0.63 D (P < .001), they added.