Retinal detachment after laser in situ keratomileusis

To report characteristics and outcome of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia.

A retrospective chart review of patients who presented with RRD after myopic LASIK over a 10-year period.

Fourteen eyes were identified with RRD. Of these, two of 6112 LASIK procedures were from our center. The mean age of patients with RRD was 35.43 years. The mean interval of RRD after LASIK was 37.71 months (range, 4 months to 10 years). The macula was involved in eight eyes and spared in six eyes. Retinal breaks included a macular hole in two eyes, and giant tear in two eyes. Multiple breaks (>2 breaks) occurred in 6 cases. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) was performed in 3 (21.4%) eyes, a scleral buckle (SB) was performed in 4 (28.5%) eyes and 7 (50%) eyes underwent combined PPV and SB. Mean follow-up was 15.18 months (range, 1 month to 7 years). The retina was successfully attached in all cases. The final visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 7 (50%) eyes, 20/40 to 20/60 in 4 (28.5%) eyes, and 20/200 or less in 3 (21.4%) eyes. Poor visual outcome was secondary to proliferative vitreoretinopathy, epiretinal membrane, macular scar and amblyopia.

The prevalence of RRD after LASIK was low at our institute. Anatomical and visual outcomes were acceptable in eyes that were managed promptly. Although there is no cause-effect relationship between LASIK and RRD, a dilated fundus examination is highly recommended before and after LASIK for myopia.