Correlation between intraocular pressure and corneal stromal thickness after laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE

To assess the relationship between intraocular pressure (IOP) and corneal stromal thickness following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia or myopic astigmatism.

SETTING

Private clinic in Turkey.

METHODS

The database of patients who had LASIK was retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative IOP and corneal thickness were measured in both eyes of 353 patients by noncontact tonometry and ultrasonic pachymetry, respectively. The correlation between changes in IOP and corneal thickness was evaluated by regression analysis.

RESULTS

Laser in situ keratomileusis was associated with a mean decrease in pachymetry of 46.7 microm +/- 28.9 (SD) and a mean decrease in IOP of 2.8 +/- 2.1 mm Hg. There was a significant correlation between the decreases in IOP and pachymetry (P <.001).

CONCLUSION

The decrease in IOP after LASIK was related to the decrease in corneal stromal thickness, although there may be other contributing factors.