Post-lasik corneal ectasia in patients with significant differences in keratometry readings between both eyes

Abstract

ObjectivesA study is made on the incidence of corneal ectasia after laser in situ keratomi-leusis (LASIK) in patients with large differences in mean keratometry (MK) readings between both eyes (OU). Visual outcomes were also evaluated. MethodsThe medical records of 164,603 patients (315,259 eyes) who underwent LASIK from January 2003 to December 2011 were reviewed in order to identify patients with a difference in MK of ≥1.25 D between OU. The main outcome measures were incidence of ectasia after LASIK, and visual outcome. ResultsA total of 35 eyes that met the inclusion criteria were found. Functional and visual results were those expected for myopia studies. After a minimum follow-up of 2 years, no corneal ectasia was found in 3 eyes (2 patients). ConclusionsThe possibility of finding a patient with an asymmetry in MK and normal topography is low (0.021%), and it does not seem to be a contraindication of LASIK. Although no corneal ectasia was found in this case series, and as it is a potentially sight-threatening complication, patients with very different MK between OU should be studied carefully before undergoing LASIK.