Factors Associated with Incomplete Cleavage of the Corneal Epithelium in Alcohol-Assisted LASEK

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the factors associated with unsuccessful cleavage of corneal epithelium in alcohol-assisted LASEK. METHODS: A total of 274 eyes in 137 patients who had received alcohol-assisted LASEK were enrolled in the present study. Associations of central corneal thickness, refractive error, pre-operative corneal curvature, ablation depth, anterior chamber volume and depth, and history of wearing contact lenses with epithelial cleavage were investigated. RESULTS: Complete epithelial cleavage was achieved in 198 eyes (72.3%) and incomplete epithelial cleavage in 76 eyes (27.7%). A history of wearing contact lenses (p = 0.018), continuous use of contact lenses (p = 0.034), longer use of contact lenses (p = 0.000), anterior chamber volume (p = 0.012) and depth (p = 0.012) were significantly associated with incomplete epithelial cleavage. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol-assisted LASEK may cause problems in patients who experience continuous use of contact lenses and longer use of contact lenses. Patients with incomplete epithelial cleavage have small anterior chamber volume and shallow anterior chamber depth.