Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy for dry eye associated with soft contact lenses.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) in myopic patients with preoperative dry eye associated with extended soft contact lens use.

SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

METHODS: This nonrandomized prospective interventional case series study comprised 9 patients (18 eyes) with dry eye and keratoconjunctivitis associated with long-term complicated soft contact lens use. Prior to LASEK surgery and for 1 year following surgery, measurements and comparisons were made of uncorrected visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), manifest refraction, symptoms, tear function, ocular surface abnormality, and corneal sensitivity.

RESULTS: No significant differences (P > .05) in the mean results of the Schirmer test with anesthesia and tear breakup times before and after LASEK were evident. Corneal sensitivity recovered within 1 month after LASEK. No complications occurred during or after LASEK. Subepithelial haze and superficial punctate epithelial defects occurred in 1 eye, representing a loss of 1 Snellen line of BCVA.

CONCLUSION: Laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis in dry eyes and keratoconjunctivitis associated with complicated soft contact lens wearing was safe and efficacious.