Straylight before and after hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis or laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy.

PURPOSE

To compare straylight values before and 3 months after hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) and determine the cause of any change.

SETTING

Private refractive surgery clinic, Driebergen, The Netherlands.

DESIGN

Comparative case series.

METHODS

Straylight (by definition the measure for glare disability) was measured preoperatively and postoperatively with a C-Quant straylight meter and recorded as log(s). The main outcome measures were the difference between postoperative and preoperative straylight values.

RESULTS

The mean increase in straylight from preoperatively to postoperatively was 0.051 log(s) ± 0.158 (SD) in the LASIK group (39 eyes) and 0.031 ± 0.146 log(s) in the LASEK group (26 eyes). Although neither change was statistically significant, it was clinically significant in some cases. Haze or interface debris was seen in some eyes with increased straylight. The mean postoperative spherical equivalent refraction was -0.05 ± 0.27 diopter.

CONCLUSIONS

Although straylight increased slightly after hyperopic LASIK and LASEK, the increase was not statistically significant. Some eyes with increased straylight had haze or interface debris. The cause of the increased straylight could not be determined in some cases.