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Corneal refractive surgery and the risk of retinal detachment
Author(s) -
Kanclerz Piotr,
Grzybowski Andrzej
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2019.5486
Subject(s) - keratomileusis , medicine , refractive error , refractive surgery , retinal detachment , ophthalmology , visual acuity , photorefractive keratectomy , surgery , optometry , cornea , retinal
Purpose Corneal refractive surgery (CRS) is an elective procedure presenting a low risk of complications. Nevertheless, as commonly eyes with perfect best corrected visual acuity are treated, sight‐threatening complications are a major concern. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between corneal refractive surgery and the risk for developing retinal detachment (RD). Methodology PubMed and Web of Science were the main resources used to search the medical literature search. Results Presumed mechanisms by which CRS would induce RD include biomechanical changes caused by the suction ring, excimer laser shock wave or the use of femtosecond laser. However, the reported RD rates after CRS were similar to those of an unoperated myopic cohort. We found no differences between RD rates in laser in situ keratomileusis and superficial CRSs. The pooled analysis found an overall risk of developing RD after laser in situ keratomileusis of 0.08% (95% CI: 0.69%–0.82%). Higher preoperative refractive error, older patients age and male sex were associated with an increased risk of developing RD after CRS. Conclusions The current analysis presents no convincing evidence supporting the association between CRS and increased risk for developing RD. Patients at risk of developing RD should be treated with caution and informed that CRS reduces the refractive error, but does not eliminate the risks related to myopia.