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Ten-year retrospective analysis shows low retinal detachment rate following LASIK
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 J. Fernando Arevalo |
ABU DHABI — A 10-year retrospective analysis of LASIK in eyes with up to 10 D of myopia showed a retinal detachment rate lower than in the global myopic population.
"Myopia is a common condition, occurring in 25% to 46% of the population. LASIK is the most popular treatment option, but retinal complications have been described," J. Fernando Arevalo, MD, said at the World Ophthalmology Congress here.
The analysis included 22,296 eyes with myopia of 10 D or less, "the most common LASIK patients," Dr. Arevalo noted.
"Ten years after LASIK, we were able to see 11,594 of these patients (52%). Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment occurred in 22 eyes of 19 patients (0.19%). The mean age when patients developed retinal detachment was 41 years, and in most cases [retinal detachment] occurred in the first 2 years after the LASIK procedure," Dr. Arevalo said.
Although only half of the patients completed the 10-year follow-up, the basal characteristics of patients with and without complete follow-up were comparable.
"It is likely that a similar [rhegmatogenous retinal detachment] rate at 10 years could be found in the other patients," Dr. Arevalo said.
In the literature, a variable rate of retinal detachment, ranging from 0.7% to 6%, is reported among the general myopic population.
Accurate preoperative examination is mandatory to exclude predisposing factors to retinal detachment. After LASIK, a dilated fundus examination is important in every patient whose visual acuity is not as expected to avoid delay in referral to a vitreoretinal specialist, Dr. Arevalo recommended.
- Disclosure: Dr. Arevalo has no relevant financial disclosures.