Choroidal neovascularization following laser in situ keratomileusis for high myopia: a case series

To report three patients who developed unilateral choroidal neovascularization (CNV) following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for high myopia. Retrospective chart reviews of three highly myopic patients who developed CNV following LASIK and who attended a tertiary care private practice were conducted. The clinical presentation of the patients was analyzed. All patients were treated with a combination of intravitreal ranibizumab and photodynamic therapy with verteporfin. Main outcome measures were clinical fundus appearance and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after treatment. Two females and one male with a mean age of 34 ± 2.8 years underwent LASIK for high myopia in both eyes. The mean spherical equivalent was -11.42 diopters (D) (range -6.75 to -20.00). The mean time interval between LASIK and the appearance of symptoms was 9.3 ± 8.5 weeks. One patient developed an extrafoveal CNV at the edge of a laser photocoagulation scar, one developed a subfoveal CNV and the third patient developed a juxtafoveal CNV. The mean BCVA at the time of CNV presentation was 0.44 logMAR (range 0.10-0.70 logMAR). Following treatment, the mean BCVA improved to 0.17 logMAR with complete resolution of CNV in two patients. CNV is a rare but potentially blinding complication following LASIK. Short-term good visual outcome can be achieved with timely intervention with current treatment modalities.