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Published on: June 12, 2012
Late onset corneal ectasia after LASIK surgery
Ashraf Said1, Issam H Hamade, Khalid F Tabbara
1The Eye Center and the Eye Foundation for Research in Ophthalmology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Summary
Late onset corneal ectasia can occur years after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery for myopia. Factors like pregnancy and adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis may contribute to its development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Refractive Surgery
Background:
- Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common refractive surgery procedure.
- Corneal ectasia is a rare but serious complication that can occur after LASIK.
- Late onset of corneal ectasia, occurring years after the initial surgery, is a significant concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on cases of late onset corneal ectasia following myopic LASIK.
- To identify potential risk factors and clinical characteristics associated with this complication.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort case series was conducted.
- Nineteen patients with late onset corneal ectasia following LASIK were analyzed.
- Data included patient demographics, pre- and post-operative measurements, and time of ectasia onset.
Main Results:
- Late onset corneal ectasia was identified in 19 patients (29 eyes) between 24 and 120 months post-LASIK.
- No pre-operative risk factors were identified in any patient.
- Pregnancy and adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis were noted in six patients as potential contributing factors.
Conclusions:
- Corneal ectasia can manifest many years after LASIK surgery.
- Symptoms of late onset corneal ectasia may go undetected for a considerable period.
- Pregnancy and adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis are potential post-operative triggers for corneal ectasia.
