Corneal Endothelial Changes after Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis.

Han, Heon Seung; Jung, Hai Ryun; Kim, Hyo Myung

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 1997;38(9):1510-1516.
Published online September 1, 1997.

Corneal Endothelial Changes after Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis.

Heon Seung Han, Hai Ryun Jung, Hyo Myung Kim

Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Korea University.

LASIK 후 각막내피세포의 변화

한현승(Heon Seung Han),정해륜(Hai Ryun Jung),김효명(Hyo Myung Kim)

Abstract

Laser assisted in situ keratomileusis(LASIK) is a widely used technique for correcting high myopia. Its technical methods and excellent clinical results are well known, but its potential risk on the corneal endothelium are poorly known. We used specular microscope to underwent LASIK for the correction of myopia. The mean preoperative refraction was ?4.5 diopters (range, -10.00 to -23.50 diopters.). The average endothelial cell densities were 2,817+/-205 cells/mm2 (mean +/-SD) preoperatively and 2,789+/-211 cells/mm2 3 months postoperatvely, corresponding to fall of 28 cells/mm2. This fall in endothelial cell density was not statistically significant (P>0.05). But significant correlation between the change in cell density and the residual corneal thickness was found(P>0.05). These results suggest that LASIK is a predictable and safe method for correcting high myopia, but care is recommended when doing deep corneal ablation. Long term follow-up may be needed to confirm its safety.

Key Words: Corneal endotheliu;High myopia;LASIK;Residual corneal thickness