Turkish Abstract Abstract PDF Similar Articles Mail to Author

M.D., Special Birinci Eye Hospital, İstanbul/TURKEY To report a case of neurotrophic epitheliopathy which develops after LASIK due to superficial nerve amputations. Twenty one-year-old female was bilaterally treated for hyperopia using femtosecond LASIK surgery on November 2012. During surgery, no complication was occurred. Preoperatively manifest refractions were +5.25 (15-3.50) in the right eye and +5.50 (165-3.50) in the left eye. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 0.8 in the both eyes postoperatively. The patient returned with complaints of decrease in vision in the left eye 14 days later. On examination, her uncorrected (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuities (BCVA) were 0.2 and 0.3 in the left eye, respectively. Slit-lamp examination revealed diffuse epitheliopathy on the central cornea. After the all topical treatment, no improvement was observed and additionally epithelial defect occurred 5 weeks later. Epithelization was completed with the aid of artificial tears and bandage contact lens applying, however epitheliopathy has continued. One and half months later some improvement were observed and punctual plugs was applied. 10 days before her examination on February 2013, she stopped all eye drops and reported visual improvement. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 0.9 in left eye, cornea was clear and no punctate staining was observed. This case is example for neurotrophic epitheliopathy which develops after LASIK due to superficial nerve amputations. The important factor in the improvement is sufficient time for the completion of the nerve reinnervations. Keywords : Epithelipathy, femtosecond LASIK