Visual field defect associated with laser in situ keratomileusis

Am J Ophthalmol. 2000 May;129(5):668-71. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(00)00366-4.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of visual field defect associated with laser in situ keratomileusis.

Methods: Case report. A 28-year-old woman with high myopia (-10D) and a family history of normal tension glaucoma underwent bilateral laser in situ keratomileusis keratorefractive surgery. Preoperatively, both eyes had normal intraocular pressure and visual field.

Results: At the first postoperative visit 1 day after apparently uncomplicated laser in situ keratomileusis, the patient reported a scotoma in the right eye. At 3-month follow-up, visual fields revealed the patient had developed a near-superior altitudinal visual field defect in the right eye. The defect did not progress over 1 year of follow-up examinations.

Conclusion: Increased intraocular pressure associated with the microkeratome vacuum ring used during laser in situ keratomileusis may have precipitated optic nerve head ischemia and visual field defect.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / adverse effects*
  • Myopia / complications
  • Myopia / surgery
  • Scotoma / etiology*
  • Visual Acuity
  • Visual Fields*