Chinese expert consensus on the prevention and treatment of complications of laser corneal refractive surgery (2024)

Abstract

Laser corneal refractive surgery has been carried out in China for three decades. The safety, efficacy, predictability, and long-term stability of the surgery have been well established. In the past 10 years, with the wide use of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and trans-epithelial photorefractive keratectomy (T-PRK), the number of corneal laser surgeries in China has increased significantly. Although severe postoperative complications are rare, there is still the possibility of complications. Once complications occur and are not treated in time and effectively, the visual acuity and visual quality of patients would be affected. Paying attention to preoperative risk factors, standardization of the surgery procedure, and timely diagnosis and treatment of postoperative complications can minimize the negative effects. Therefore, the Cornea Group of Ophthalmology Branch of Chinese Medical Association has organized experts and scholars in this field to establish a consensus on the prevention and treatment of complications in laser corneal refractive surgery, providing guidance for the related clinical work.