High myopia as a risk factor for post-LASIK ectasia: a case report

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Refractive Surgery

Background:

• Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common refractive surgery.
• Corneal ectasia is a rare but serious complication following LASIK.
• Identifying risk factors for post-LASIK ectasia is crucial for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of corneal ectasia developing after LASIK in a patient with high myopic astigmatism.
• To investigate potential risk factors contributing to the development of ectasia.

Main Methods:

• A 39-year-old male patient underwent bilateral LASIK for high myopic astigmatism.
• Preoperative assessments included corneal pachymetry and topography.
• Postoperative follow-up included regular corneal topography and keratometry measurements.

Main Results:

• The patient developed progressive astigmatism post-LASIK.
• Corneal ectasia was diagnosed in the right eye at 17 months and early ectasia in the left eye at 58 months.
• Preoperative evaluations did not reveal keratoconus or forme fruste keratoconus.

Conclusions:

• High myopia may be an independent risk factor for corneal ectasia after LASIK.
• Corneal ectasia risk should be considered in high myopic patients, irrespective of ablation depth or residual stromal bed thickness.
• Further research is needed to elucidate all risk factors for post-LASIK ectasia.