Post-LASIK Ectasia Recovery Possible Through Appropriate Disease Management

Most patients who experience post-LASIK ectasia can regain functional visual acuity after appropriate disease management, according to research results presented at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) 2021 meeting in Las Vegas.

A researcher conducted a retrospective case series review of 10 eyes from 7 patients that developed post-LASIK ectasia. The report shows clinical outcomes after treatment. In these cases, postoperative ectasia included forme fruste keratoconus, thin cornea, posterior elevation map value >+15.0 µm, or residual stromal bed <300 µm. 

In all cases, the LASIK flap was created using the Moria M2 mechanical microkeratome, with an average flap thickness of 118.15±12.88 µm; refractive errors were corrected using an excimer laser. 

All cases were treated via either collagen crosslinking (CXL) alone, CXL combined with PRK, or CXL and phakic intraocular implant using the Dresden protocol. 

The average preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 0.75±0.26 Snellen. Postoperatively, CDVA increased significantly to 0.86±0.13 Snellen (P =.04). One eye lost 3 lines of baseline CDVA before ectasia, while all other eyes regained CDVA lines. All cases were stable on follow-up. 

“Although ectasia remains a potentially devastating complication after refractive surgery, most patients can regain functional visual acuity with appropriate management,” according to the researcher. “Corneal transplantation is infrequently indicated.” 

Reference

Gabric I. Management of post-LASIK ectasia. Paper presented at: 2021 ASCRS Annual Meeting; July 2021; Las Vegas, NV. Paper 75495.