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Post-refractive surgery complications and eye disease, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2005-2014
MSMR
|June 4, 2016
Summary
Refractive surgery (RS) outcomes were analyzed in U.S. military personnel. Most patients achieved desired vision correction, but some experienced persistent refractive errors or dry eye disease post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Military Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Refractive surgery (RS) is frequently performed for vision correction in the U.S. military.
- Understanding post-surgical outcomes and complications is crucial for this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the incidence of refractive surgery in the active U.S. military component.
- To determine the prevalence of post-RS complications and eye disease within one year of surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of military health records from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2014.
- Inclusion of 121,571 subjects who underwent incident RS for hyperopia, myopia, or astigmatism.
- Assessment of persistent refractive errors and diagnosed tear film insufficiency one year post-RS.
Main Results:
- 5.3% of subjects with pre-operative hyperopia/myopia had persistent errors; 2.0% with astigmatism had persistent errors.
- 3.8% of subjects were diagnosed with tear film insufficiency within one year.
- Higher complication rates were observed in Army/Air Force personnel, women, officers, and aviation/Special Forces members.
Conclusions:
- Refractive surgery is common in the U.S. military with generally favorable outcomes.
- Certain demographic and occupational groups experienced higher rates of persistent refractive errors and dry eye.
- Variations in outcomes suggest facility-specific factors may influence results.