Corneal hystomorphology and myopic regression in patients after LASIK in the long follow‐up period

Abstract Purpose To estimate the ultrastructure of various layers of a cornea, refraction result and quality of visual functions at the patients after operation LASIK, in the long follow‐up period. Methods The investigated group included 22 patients (44 eyes). Middle age was 31 year (from 23 to 39). The postoperative period ‐ from 4 to 10 years. Patients before operation had myopic refraction of various degrees. Standard methods of research including pachymetry with “Visante OCT”, keratotopography with “Pentacam”, “Atlas”, confocal microscopy with Confoscan 4 (Nidec Tech., Japan). Results Visual acuity after operation without correction was 1,0 and more only in half of cases (22 eyes). In the presence of initial high myopia, the thickness of a cornea at patients in 10 years after LASIK has returned to preoperative values. The thickness of a corneal flap practically in all cases made the value planned before operation. Epithelial layer has increased no more than by 30 microns. Conclusion In the remote postoperative period substantial growth of a thickness of a cornea in the central part is observed. Changes occur at all stoma levels. The increase in a thickness of a cornea first of all is connected with morphology of the interface between a flap and a corneal bed.