The Change of Tear Flim after laser Epithelial keratomileusis and laser in situ keratomileusis

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of laser epithelial keratomileusis(LASEK) and laser in situ keratomileusis(LASIK) on tear secretion and tear film stability. METHODS: Sixty two eyes went through photorefractive surgery including LASEK(26 eyes, 14 patients) or LASIK(36 eyes, 18 patients) by the same surgeon from January in 2000 to April in 2000. Tear secretion was measured with schirmer test and tear stability was measured with tear breakup time(BUT) preoperatively and 2 months after procedures. RESULTS: In the LASEK group, the preoperative mean values were BUT, 7.46 sec; Shirmer, 11.92 mm, and at postoperative 2 months, they were 6.62 sec and 9.31 mm, respectively. The difference was statistically insignificant(P=0.51, P=0.22). In the LASIK group, the preoperative mean values were BUT, 7.56 sec; Shirmer, 10.56 mm. At 2 months, they were 5.56 sec and 7 mm, respectively. The difference was statistically significant(P=0.02, P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Our result showed that tear secretion seemed to be significantly decreased after LASIK, but not after LASEK.