PURPOSE: To evaluate the alterations that occur on the cornea sensitivity after Lasik and PRK surgery. METHODS: Prospective studies have evaluated60 eyes from 30 patients subjected simultaneously to bilateral Lasik and 30 eyes from 15 patients subjected simultaneously to bilateral PRK. According to the amount of inner operatory ablation the eyes were divided into two groups: Group I (< 40 µm) and group II (> 40µm). The cornea sensitivity was measured in the central region of the cornea on the pre operatory and then again at 30, 90 and 180 days after the surgery with the esthesiometer. RESULTS: The cornea sensitivity in Lasik presented itself in a minor way during the first three months, returning to pre operatory values at six months; and according to the amount of ablation group I presented statistically significant difference in comparison to group II during the first three months; however PRK recovered its pre operatory values at three months and according to the amount of ablation group I presented statistically significant difference only on the first month of pre operatory. CONCLUSION: Lasik showed the least sensitivity in comparison to PRK during the first three months, only at six months the sensitivity values were similar to each other; the results suggest that the result of ablation endangers the cornea sensitivity during the first months on both surgical techniques especially Lasik.
Myipoia; Myiopia; Cornea; Keratomileusis, laser in situ; Keratectomy photorefractive; Lasers, excimer; Sensation; Diagnostic techniques, ophthalmological
