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Post-LASIK corneal biomechanical changes may pinpoint ectasia risk
J Cataract Refract Surg. 2008;34(11):1886-1891.
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Researchers have found that LASIK may significantly diminish corneal biomechanical properties, and that flap creation, ablation or both may markedly affect the cornea’s ability to absorb or dissipate energy.
The study included 43 eyes of 43 patients undergoing wavefront-guided LASIK with mechanical keratome-created flaps. The Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA, Reichert) was used to measure corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor.
Goldmann-correlated IOP and corneal-compensated IOP were also measured. All assessments were performed before surgery and 1-month postop.
Before surgery, mean corneal hysteresis was 11.52 mm Hg and mean corneal resistance factor was 11.68 mm Hg. After surgery, mean corneal hysteresis was 9.48 mm Hg and 8.47 mm Hg. The differences were statistically significant (P < .0001).
Researchers saw no correlation between changes in corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor, and preop central corneal thickness.
More study is needed to determine whether combined topography and ORA metrics may aid the diagnosis of corneal abnormalities and identify patients at risk of post-LASIK ectasia.