LASIK vs. LASEK: In vivo corneal morphometrical perspective

Abstract:

Objective: To compare corneal morphometrical changes observed between LASIK and LASEK surgical techniques, through in vivo confocal microscopy. Method: An observational, descriptive, longitudinal and prospective investigation was carried out. 146 patients underwent excimer laser for myopia correction using the surgical techniques: LASIK with pendulous microkeratome and LASEK, it took place in Abel Santamaría Hospital in Cuba from November 2010 to June 2011. The sample was constituted by the 134 patients that complete the established selection criteria. They were divided into two groups: a group of 78 patients (151 eyes) operated with LASIK and another group of 56 patients (111 eyes) operated with LASEK. Methods of descriptive statistics were used, T test for independent samples, comparison of correlations and lineal regression. Results: A quicker and faster total recovery of the subbasal nerves was obtained with the LASEK surgical technique, as well as thicker paquimetry values, residual corneal bed and higher keratocyte density in the corneal stroma. Conclusions: The selection of the surgical technique LASEK for the could facilitate a smaller repercussion in the corneal homeostasis and smaller keratocyte loss, bigger preservation of the residual corneal bed and a successful recovery of the sub-basal nerves at the year of the surgery.

Año de publicación:

2013

Keywords:

• Microscopy
• CÓRNEA
• Myopia
• Cuba
• LASEK
• morphometry
• LASIK
• Confocal

Fuente:

scopus