Changes in Corneal Epithelial Thickness in Relation to Vision, Contrast Sensitivity and Ocular Aberrations After Lasik

Abstract

Purpose: The assessment of changes in corneal epithelial thickness at the center of the cornea (ET center) and at the apex of the cornea (ET peak) in relation to vision, corneal aberrations (LOAs and HOAs) and contrast sensitivity (C.S) after LASIK. Material and Methods: Twenty-seven patients (27 eyes) with a mean age of 32 years (range 22-50), 9 males and 18 females were included in the study and underwent LASIK. Mean follow up was 12.18 +/- 1.48 (range from 9 to 18 months). Results: A statistically significant difference was found between preoperative and postoperative measurements of ET center and ET peak as well as Zernike coefficients. No statistically significant difference was found for the variable of CS. Conclusion: Changes in corneal aberrations after refractive surgery can be attributed to epithelial thickness increase which can be seen in patients that have undergone LASIK.