PURPOSE: To examine whether LASIK induces changes in the optic disc and retinal nerve fiber layer using scanning laser tomography. METHODS: Prospective, consecutive study of 53 myopic eyes in 38 patients (mean age: 35.7 +/- 10.4 years; range: 22 to 58 years). Preoperative average refractive error was -6.0 +/- 2.4 diopters (D) (spherical equivalent) (range: -2.0 to -10.0 D). Optic disc morphology and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were evaluated with scanning laser tomography preoperatively and at 7 and 13 months postoperatively. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were noted between the pre- and postoperative optic disc and retinal nerve fiber layer measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that transient extreme elevation of intraocular pressure during LASIK does not affect the optic disc morphology or retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in normal myopic eyes for at least 1 year after surgery.
PURPOSE: To examine whether LASIK induces changes in the optic disc and retinal nerve fiber layer using scanning laser tomography. METHODS: Prospective, consecutive study of 53 myopic eyes in 38 patients (mean age: 35.7 +/- 10.4 years; range: 22 to 58 years). Preoperative average refractive error was -6.0 +/- 2.4 diopters (D) (spherical equivalent) (range: -2.0 to -10.0 D). Optic disc morphology and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were evaluated with scanning laser tomography preoperatively and at 7 and 13 months postoperatively. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were noted between the pre- and postoperative optic disc and retinal nerve fiber layer measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that transient extreme elevation of intraocular pressure during LASIK does not affect the optic disc morphology or retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in normal myopic eyes for at least 1 year after surgery.