Combination LASIK Corneal Cross-Linking Associated With Better Outcomes

The combination of LASIK and corneal cross-linking (CXL) for the treatment of high myopia showed better predictability, stability, and less regression than LASIK alone, according to a study presented by Li Lim, MD, adjunct associate professor and senior consultant, Corneal & External Eye Disease Department, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore at the 2019 ASCRS-ASOA annual meeting.

This retrospective study included 85 patients (163 eyes) treated with combination LASIK-CXL at the Singapore National Eye Centre from 2013-2017. Patients had a mean age of 29 years (range: 21 to 46 years) and most were female. Mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was -8.60 D (range: -4.75 to -11.75 D) and mean attempted correction was -8.84 D (range: -5.25 to -11.88 D). Patients were followed for up to 3 years, with outcome data available for 67 eyes seen at 1 year, 54 eyes seen at 2 years, and 32 eyes seen at 3 years.

At 1-year follow-up, mean SE was 0.14 D, 0.02 D at 2 years, and -0.07 D at 3 years. Good refractive stability was seen at 2- and 3-year follow-up. Approximately 70% of eyes achieved uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/20 or better at all follow-up intervals according to the efficacy analysis.

The efficacy index, calculated as the quotient of postop UCVA/preop best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), was 0.95, 0.96, and 0.92 at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years, respectively.

At all follow-up intervals the safety index (postop BCVA/preop BCVA) was ≥1.10 and no eyes lost more than 2 lines of BCVA. In approximately 95% of eyes, BCVA was the same or better than the preoperative BCVA at 1- and 2-year follow-up. At 3-year follow-up it was 100%.

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Presented at: ASCRS-ASOA annual meeting; May 3-7, 2019; San Diego, CA.