Contrast sensitivity loss in the peripheral visual field following laser in situ keratomileusis

We report a case of contrast sensitivity loss in the peripheral visual field following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). A 50-year-old white man was referred to us for differences in visual perception in the peripheral field between the right eye, which had had LASIK, and the left eye, which was emmetropic. Linear meridional static perimetry was carried out in the 0- to 180-degree meridian using a Goldmann perimeter to assess the peripheral perimetric thresholds. There was a statistically significantly marked increased threshold in contrast sensitivity in the nasal and temporal fields from 40 degrees of eccentricity in the LASIK eye compared with that in the emmetropic eye. Eyes treated with LASIK may show higher peripheral thresholds than untreated eyes owing to poorer retinal image quality after LASIK surgery. Excimer laser surgeons should consider optical factors when post-LASIK patients complain of peripheral visual field symptoms.