Assessment of nerve fiber layer thickness before and after laser in situ keratomileusis using scanning laser polarimetry with variable corneal compensation.

Purpose: To determine the effect of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements obtained by scanning laser polarimetry with variable corneal compensation (SLP-VCC).

Setting: Gimbel Eye Centre, Calgary, Alberta.

Methods: Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements were performed in both eyes of 25 consecutive healthy patients the day of LASIK surgery and 1 month after by trained examiners using the GDx-VCC nerve fiber analyzer. Thickness measurements and all other parameters provided by the software of the machine before and after LASIK were analyzed using the paired Student t test.

Results: Mean age of the patients was 39 years +/- 9.6 (SD) (range 24 to 57 years). The mean preoperative spherical equivalent was -4.15 +/- 1.76 diopters (D) (range -1.0 to -7.50 D) and the mean postoperative spherical equivalent, 0.12 +/- 0.39 D (range -0.75 to +1.00 D). Mean ablation depth was 62 +/- 23 mum. No statistically significant difference was found in SLP parameters after LASIK (P<.05). No clinically significant difference in RNFL thickness measurements was noted in any eye.

Conclusion: These data suggest that SLP-VCC mean thickness measurements are not influenced by LASIK-induced alterations in corneal architecture. Measurements obtained with SLP-VCC before surgery may be used for future comparisons.