J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2001 Aug;42(8):1178-1185.

Change in Fluorescein clearance and Tear Film Stability following Laser in situ Keratomileusis

• Lee HH
• Park KC
• Choi TH
• Lee HB

Abstract

PURPOSE: To study the change in corneal sensitivity, tear film stability, tear clearance and blink rate after LASIK.
METHODS
The authors have performed LASIK to correct the visual acuity in myopia of 3 males and 18 females(42 eyes). The corneal sensitivity(Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer), tear film break-up time, fluorescein clearance and blink rate were measured prior to operation, 2 weeks, 1 and 3 months after LASIK.
RESULTS
There was decrease in corneal sensitivity after LASIK, which did not recover to the pre-operative level by 3 months after LASIK. To restore corneal sensitivity, more time was needed for regrowth and maturation of the nerve fiber. The decrease in BUT scores 1 and 3 months after LASIK was statistically significant. The decrease in blink rate after LASIK was also statistically significant. The increase in FCT concentration grade was not statistically significant. There was a trend toward a reduction in blink rate in the group with more correction.
CONCLUSIONS
Symptoms suggestive of relative tear deficiency such as foreign-body sensation, visual fluctuation and absence of reflex tear have described after LASIK. Change in corneal sensitivity, tear film stability and blink rate were associated with such dry eye symptoms.

Keyword

Blink rate; BUT; Corneal sensitivity; Fluorescein clearance; LASIK

MeSH Terms

Fluorescein*
Humans
Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ*
Male
Myopia
Nerve Fibers
Reflex
Sensation
Tears*
Visual Acuity
Fluorescein