Transient macular edema after laser in-situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE

To investigate the macular changes induced by laser in situ keratomileusisc (LASIK) procedure.

METHODS

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) was used to examine 27 eyes of 15 LASIK patients before surgery, and 1 day, 1 week, 1 month after surgery.

RESULTS

The mean thickiness of neuroepithelial layer of macula was (195 +/- 24) microns, (178 +/- 16) microns 1 day and 1 month after surgery, respectively, while the baseline was (174 +/- 12) microns. The increase in macular neuroepithelial thickness was correlated with the degree of myopia, but not with the duration of suction or the postoperative BCVA.

CONCLUSION

Mild macular edema is common in the first month following LASIK, especially in high myopia. However, no association with loss of BCVA has been established.