Evaluation of the role of timolol 0.1% gel in myopic regression after laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of the concomitant administration of antiglaucoma medications namely timolol 0.1% gel in cases with myopic regression after myopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

DESIGN

Prospective observational clinical trial.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Ninty five eyes of 75 patients were included in this study prospectively. The mean myopic regression was -1.29 ± 0.83 diopters (range -0.5 to -4.62) after myopic LASIK. The eyes were divided into two groups: 50 eyes administrated timolol 0.1% gel once daily for 12 months (treated group), and 45 eyes were age matched (control group). We assessed the amounts of myopic regression in terms of changes in the refraction (spherical equivalent and astigmatism), intraocular pressure (IOP), pachymetry and the refractive power of the cornea measurements for all participants.

RESULTS

The refractive error and visual acuity were similar between the two groups at baseline. The treated group had an improvement in spherical equivalent significantly from -1.29 ± 0.83 to -0.94 ± 1.07 diopters (P = 0.012). Astigmatism was changed from -0.94 ± 0.53 to -0.86 ± 0.60 diopters but this change was not statistically significant (P = 0.20). The IOP was decreased significantly from 12.6 ± 1.9 to 9.0 ± 1.1 mm Hg (P < 0.001). Central corneal thickness was changed from 425.6 ± 19.86 to 429 ± 18.1 μm but not statistically significant (P = 0.56). The central corneal power decreased significantly from 37.2 ± 1.8 to 36.4 ± 1.3 diopters (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Timolol 0.1% gel was effective for reduction and improvement of myopic regression especially the spherical errors after myopic LASIK.