PURPOSE: Retrospectively, we reviewed the records of 65 patients (115 eyes) regarding the intraocular pressure (IOP) after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: The mean patient age was 31.2 +/- 10.5 years. The average preoperative spherical equivalent was -6.85 +/- 2.54 diopters. A noncontact pneumatic tonometer and a Goldmann applanation tonometer were used in measuring the IOP. RESULTS: The IOP after LASIK was significantly lower than that before surgery (Mann-Whitney U-test). The IOP correlated significantly with the corrected diopter value, corneal thickness, and corneal curvature (Spearman rank correlation). CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative IOP can be underestimated due to decreased corneal thickness and curvature. When evaluating IOP after LASIK surgery, this possibility should be carefully investigated.
PURPOSE: Retrospectively, we reviewed the records of 65 patients (115 eyes) regarding the intraocular pressure (IOP) after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: The mean patient age was 31.2 +/- 10.5 years. The average preoperative spherical equivalent was -6.85 +/- 2.54 diopters. A noncontact pneumatic tonometer and a Goldmann applanation tonometer were used in measuring the IOP. RESULTS: The IOP after LASIK was significantly lower than that before surgery (Mann-Whitney U-test). The IOP correlated significantly with the corrected diopter value, corneal thickness, and corneal curvature (Spearman rank correlation). CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative IOP can be underestimated due to decreased corneal thickness and curvature. When evaluating IOP after LASIK surgery, this possibility should be carefully investigated.