Corneal sensation after laser epithelial keratomileusis for the correction of myopia

Corneal sensation after laser epithelial keratomileusis for the correction of myopia
January, 2005
Wolfgang Artur Herrmann1 Contact Information, Chirag Shah1, Bernhard Gabler1, Christoph Winkler von Mohrenfels1, K. Hufendiek1 and Chris Patrick Lohmann1
(1) University Eye Clinic, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss Allee 11, 93042 Regensburg, Germany
Springer Berlin / Heidelberg

Abstract
Background Subepithelial nerve fibre bundles and stromal nerves are damaged during laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK). The aim of this study was to investigate the recovery of corneal sensation after LASEK for the correction of myopia.
Methods Corneal sensation was evaluated in 40 eyes of 20 patients using a CochetÒBonnet aesthesiometer before surgery and 3 days, 14 days, 1, 3 and 6 months after LASEK for the correction of mild to moderate myopia (range Ò2.5 D to Ò8.0 D). At every examination corneal sensation was tested in the apex of the cornea and in one point each at the 12, 3, 6 and 9 orsquo clock positions 2 mm from the centre of the cornea.
Results Corneal sensation was significantly reduced at 3 days and 14 days after surgery (P<0.01). The loss of corneal sensation was greatest 3 days after surgery and corneal sensation increased during the first month after LASEK. After 1 month, 3 months and 6 months no significant difference was found between preoperative and postoperative sensation. There was no significant difference in sensation between different areas of the cornea after LASEK.
Conclusions Corneal nerves are disrupted during LASEK surgery and the procedure results in a significant reduction in corneal sensation. During the first month after surgery the depressed corneal sensation improved and subsequently went back to preoperative values, staying stable 3 months and 6 months after surgery.

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