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Abstract #10406 Published in IGR 6-1
Refractive surgery in glaucoma
Samuelson TWCurrent Opinions in Ophthalmology 2004; 15: 112-118
PURPOSE: To discuss the topics relevant to LASIK in glaucoma patients or suspects. The safety of LASIK and its implications on glaucoma diagnostic testing are reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS: Most studies have found no change in the nerve fiber layer thickness or optic disc after LASIK. Several reports of steroid-induced glaucoma after LASIK have been published. Important new syndromes such as the interlamellar stromal cyst have been described. Most investigators, but not all, have found intraocular pressure to be lower after LASIK, most likely an artifact of measurement as a result of reduced central corneal thickness. SUMMARY: The safety of LASIK in patients with glaucoma has not been proved. However, based on the published literature, LASIK may be a viable option for some glaucoma patients. Although not an absolute contraindication, glaucoma is a relative contraindication, and careful patient education and life-long follow-up is mandatory. The clinician must be ever mindful of the important effects that LASIK may have on diagnostic testing.
Dr. T.W. Samuelson, University of Minnesota, Minnesota Eye Consultants/Phillips Eye Institute, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Classification:
8.4 Refractive surgical procedures (Part of: 8 Refractive errors in relation to glaucoma)
