Purpose: To evaluate changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements by Goldmann applanation tonometry after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia and myopic astigmatism, and to assess the accuracy of Goldmann applanation tonometry measurements after LASIK in these eyes.
Methods: LASIK was performed on 166 eyes of 93 patients for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. Intraocular pressure was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry at the central and temporal parts of the cornea before and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after LASIK. The amount of change in IOP was computed and its relation to different variables was evaluated by regression analysis.
Results: Intraocular pressure measured at the center of the cornea was reduced by a mean of 3.69 +/- 1.63 mmHg after LASIK. Multiple regression analysis showed that the decrease in IOP was related to the preoperative IOP and the change in central corneal thickness after LASIK. Measurements of IOP at the temporal part of the cornea were also reduced by a mean of 2.39 +/- 1.71 mmHg. There was wide variability in the amount of difference between the temporal and central measurements after LASIK (temporal measurements were higher than central by 0 to +4 mmHg).
Conclusion: LASIK for myopia produced underestimation of IOP measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry at the central part of the cornea by a mean of 3.69 +/- 1.63 mmHg. The decrease of IOP was related to preoperative IOP and the change in central corneal thickness after LASIK. Temporal Goldmann applanation tonometry measurements, although decreased after LASIK, were less reliable.