Surgically induced astigmatism after laser in situ keratomileusis for spherical myopia

Abstract

PURPOSE: To study risk factors for surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: In a retrospective case control study of 104 eyes (52 patients) that underwent LASIK for myopia (spherical ablation alone), two groups were studied: 42/104 eyes with SIA, and controls (62/104 eyes). The main variables studied were preoperative refraction, corneal thickness, preoperative keratometric power, amount of ablation, ablation zone diameter, flap thickness, flap size, and the presence of complications. The effect of SIA on visual performance was also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean myopia for which LASIK was undertaken was -4.50 ± 2.04 D. Mean scalar astigmatism i..