Wavefront-optimized excimer laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia and myopic astigmatism: Refractive outcomes and corneal densitometry

Abstract

To determine the refractive outcomes of wavefront-optimized laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) treatments, in particular to measure corneal densitometry after LASIK using the densitometry function of the Pentacam Scheimpflug system. Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom. Cohort study. Changes in postoperative visual acuity, refraction, and contrast sensitivity were evaluated after wavefront-optimized laser treatment. Corneal densitometry was evaluated with the Scheimpflug system before and after LASIK. One year postoperatively, the uncorrected distance visual acuity was 6/6 or better in 92% of eyes and 6/9 or better in all eyes. Eighty-six percent of eyes had no change in the corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA); 4% gained 1 or more lines. Wavefront-optimized LASIK was stable over 1 year postoperatively. Eighty-nine percent of eyes were within ±0.50 diopter (D) and 100% were within ±1.00 D of the intended correction 1 year postoperatively. Contrast sensitivity showed a nonsignificant improvement (1.55 ± 0.10 [SD] preoperatively to 1.57 ± 0.09 12 months postoperatively) (P > .05). There was a nonsignificant increase in corneal densitometry 1 year postoperatively (from 12.72 ± 2.43 to 13.04 ± 2.58) (P > .05). No correlation was found between corneal densitometry and contrast sensitivity or CDVA. Wavefront-optimized LASIK gave excellent refractive and visual outcomes and did not seem to affect corneal densitometry significantly 1 year postoperatively. However, larger studies may show a masked effect on corneal densitometry. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.