Lamina Cribrosa Changes after Laser In Situ Keratomileusis in Myopic Eyes

Abstract

To determine deep optic nerve head structure changes after transient intraocular pressure elevationduring laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopiaMethods: Enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography was performed in each myopic eye that underwentLASIK surgery. Enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography images were created at postoperative1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month. Lamina cribrosa (LC) thickness, LC depth and prelaminar thicknessat the superior, middle and inferior portions of the optic nerve head were measured by two investigators. Results: Forty eyes in 40 patients were included in the present study. During follow-up, there were no significantdifferences in prelaminar thickness or LC depth. The LC demonstrated increased thickness at postoperative 1day at all three locations (superior, middle, and inferior) (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). However,no significant changes were observed at postoperative 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month. Conclusions: The LC thickness could increase at 1 day after LASIK surgery. However, the thickness will graduallyreturn to baseline morphology. Temporary intraocular pressure increase during LASIK does not appear to induceirreversible LC thickness changes.