Impact of Post–Refractive Surgeries on Corneal Biomechanics—A Review

Abstract

A stable shape for the human cornea prevents complications of post–refractive surgeries. Variation in corneal lamellae and collagen fibers is induced by recent laser refractive surgical procedures utilizing laser ablation and disruption techniques. Noninvasive prediction of corneal biomechanics and structural strength is not quite accurate pre– and post–refractive surgery despite the great advance in assessment methods. This is due to the alteration happening to the corneal structure post–refractive surgery. Many different methods have been developed to measure corneal and subcorneal biomechanics. In this article, an overview of the impact of post–refractive surgeries on corneal biomechanics is presented. The corneal anatomy and physiology are reviewed. Refractive disorders, their corresponding surgeries, and their relation to corneal biomechanics are discussed as well. Ultrasonic estimation of corneal biomechanics and their limitations are stated in this overview.