Comparison of tear secretion and tear film instability after photorefractive keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis

J Cataract Refract Surg. 2000 Sep;26(9):1326-31. doi: 10.1016/s0886-3350(00)00566-6.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate and compare tear secretion and tear film instability following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Methods: In a prospective study, 36 eyes (21 patients) had PRK and 39 eyes (25 patients) had LASIK to correct myopia. Tear secretion and tear film instability were tested preoperatively and 3 and 6 months postoperatively using Schirmer test values, tear breakup time (BUT) scores, and tear osmolarity.

Results: Six months after surgery, the change in Schirmer test values from preoperative levels was -14.57% +/- 6.39% (SD) in the PRK eyes and -23.40% +/- 5.94% in the LASIK eyes and the change in BUT scores, -12.54% +/- 8.28% and -18.79% +/- 13.01%, respectively. The change in tear osmolarity was 14.95% +/- 6.46% and 35.63% +/- 8.51%, respectively.

Conclusions: The decrease in tear secretion was greater after LASIK than after PRK at 6 months. Proper treatment of dry eye is required after LASIK and PRK, particularly in the LASIK postoperative period.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dry Eye Syndromes / physiopathology
  • Dry Eye Syndromes / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ*
  • Lacrimal Apparatus / metabolism*
  • Lasers, Excimer
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myopia / surgery
  • Osmolar Concentration
  • Photorefractive Keratectomy*
  • Postoperative Period
  • Prospective Studies
  • Surface Tension
  • Tears / metabolism*