The Effect of Corticosteroid Treatment on Myopic Regression after Laser in situ Keratomileusis[LASIK]

Kim, K H; Park, S P; Lee, D H; Lee, H B

Abstract

To investigate the effect of corticosteroid treatment on myopic regression after LASIK, the visual acuity and refraction after corticosteroid treatment on the eyes with myopic regression after LASIK was assessed prospectively. Of all eyes LASIK treated from September of 1996 to January of 1998 in Kang-Dong Sacred Heart Hospital, 46 eyes who were measured as above -0.5D myopic regression. Topical corticosteroid[0.12%, Prednisolone acetate] was applied three times per day to 27 eyes[mean: -1.84D; -0.625D to -7.00D] that were capable of follow-up. When mean refraction was stabilized in every two weeks follow-up, the application of topical corticosteroid was gradually tapered. Four eyes with increased IOP after application of topical corticosteroid were excluded from the study. Twenty eyes[74.1%] showed above 0.5D or more reversal of myopic regression. Uncorrected visual acuity, mean refraction before reintroducing corticosteroids[mean: 0.72, -1.87D] improved after corticosteroid treatment[mean: 0.85, -1.13D][p<0.001]. The difference of corneal refractory power[Average Sim. K] between pretreatment and posttreatment was 0.20D on corneal topography[p=0.002]. Topical corticosteroid therapy can modulate refractive change after LASIK appearing to reduced myopic regression. However, a longer follow-up will be necessary to determine the final refractory outcome of these eyes.