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.