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Published on: July 6, 2015
Iatrogenic keratectasia after laser in situ keratomileusis
T Seiler1, K Koufala, G Richter
1Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of the Technical University of Dresden, Germany.
Background:
Lamellar refractive surgery reduces the biomechanical strength of the cornea which may lead to mechanical instability and keratectasia.
Methods:
Three eyes had laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia from -10.00 to -13.50 D. The procedures were performed with two different wide-field excimer lasers and two different microkeratomes. The patients were followed up to 1 year after surgery.
Results:
Central steep areas developed between 1 and 8 months after surgery. In contrast to conventional central steep islands, these showed rapid progression and were interpreted as keratectasia.
Conclusion:
Iatrogenic keratectasia represents a complication after LASIK that may limit the range of myopia correction. Based on biomechanical considerations we recommend a residual corneal thickness of the stromal bed of at least 250 microm.
