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LASEK with mitomycin C safe for thin corneas
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LASEK with mitomycin C is safe to perform in eyes with myopia and thin corneas when preoperative corneal topography indicates no abnormalities, according to a retrospective study.
“Based on our results, preoperative CCT of less than 500 µm does not seem to be a risk factor for developing corneal ectasia after surface ablation in corneas with normal preoperative topography,” the authors wrote. They added that the adjuvant use of mitomycin C (MMC) “does not seem to facilitate the development of corneal ectasia.”
The study evaluated the long-term (6 to 8 years) follow-up of 100 eyes with thin corneas that underwent LASEK with MMC. No statistically significant changes in the mean postoperative central corneal thickness (CCT) were reported. Uncorrected distance visual acuity showed a slight decrease after the first 3 months, whereas corrected distance visual acuity remained stable. Regression of the spherical equivalent was similar to that observed in other series where PRK was performed without the use of MMC. Although statistically significant, it was not clinically relevant in terms of visual function.
Six or more years after surgery 85% of the eyes were within + 0.50 D, and 94% of the eyes were within + 1.0 D of emmetropia. Corneal topography did not show signs of corneal ectasia during the follow-up.
In conclusion, the study showed no signs of postoperative corneal instability in any eye during the long-term follow up.
As the authors noted, the few reports of ectasia after surface ablation “either had preoperative signs of primary ectasia or did not have a complete preoperative examination to exclude the possibility of primary ectasia.”– by Michela Cimberle
Disclosure: The authors reported no relevant financial disclosures.
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