Underestimation of intraocular pressure in eyes after laser in situ keratomileusis
Arimoto, A.; Shimizu, K.; Shoji, N.; Enomoto, K.; Kohara, M.
Japanese Journal of Ophthalmology 46(6): 645-649
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-5155 PMID: 12543191 Document Number: 543770
Retrospectively, we reviewed the records of 65 patients (115 eyes) regarding the intraocular pressure (IOP) after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). The mean patient age was 31.2 +/- 10.5 years. The average preoperative spherical equivalent was -6.85 +/- 2.54 diopters. A noncontact pneumatic tonometer and a Goldmann applanation tonometer were used in measuring the IOP. The IOP after LASIK was significantly lower than that before surgery (Mann-Whitney U-test). The IOP correlated significantly with the corrected diopter value, corneal thickness, and corneal curvature (Spearman rank correlation). The postoperative IOP can be underestimated due to decreased corneal thickness and curvature. When evaluating IOP after LASIK surgery, this possibility should be carefully investigated.