Photorefractive corneal procedures in patients with systemic diseases

ABSTRACT

This retrospective, non-randomized, non-comparative clinical study included 14 eyes of 7 patients who underwent laser in situ keratomileusis [LASIK] and 4 eyes of 4 patients who underwent photorefractive keratectomy [PRK] as a primary procedure to correct their myopia and astigmatism. All patients had a history of controlled systemic autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, psoriasis and Behcet's disease. The visual acuity, refraction, keratometric readings, slit-lamp biomicroscopy and corneal topography were assessed in these eyes at regular follow-up periods of 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The mean pre-LASIK/PRK spherical equivalent [SE] decreased from -4.01 D +/- 1.51 standard deviation [SD] preoperatively to - 0.31 D +/- 0.47 SD by the end of the sixth postoperative month which was statistically significant. The mean preoperative uncorrected visual acuity [UCVA] was less than 20/200. Six months after LASIK/PRK procedure, UCVA was 20/25 that was also statistically significant. Retreatment for regression was necessary in 5 [27.7%] eyes at variable periods of time following the primary procedure. The procedures were done easily without any unusual intraoperative complications. The postoperative symptom suggestive of dry eye were not more than usual with the exception of one eye which developed exaggerated symptoms