Retinal detachment after laser in situ keratomileusis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery
• Refractive Surgery

Background:

• Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common refractive procedure for myopia.
• Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a potential, though rare, complication following ocular surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the incidence, clinical features, and outcomes of RRD after myopic LASIK.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of surgical management for RRD in this patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with RRD post-myopic LASIK over a 10-year period.
• Analysis of patient demographics, time to RRD, macular involvement, break types, surgical interventions, and visual outcomes.

Main Results:

• Fourteen eyes with RRD were identified, with an incidence of 2 per 6112 LASIK procedures at the center.
• The mean interval from LASIK to RRD was 37.71 months; macular involvement occurred in 8 eyes.
• Surgical management included pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), scleral buckle (SB), or combined PPV and SB, achieving successful retinal attachment in all cases.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of RRD after LASIK for myopia is low.
• Prompt surgical intervention resulted in acceptable anatomical and visual outcomes.
• Dilated fundus examinations are recommended before and after LASIK to monitor for RRD.