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Review
. 2022 Dec 28;12(1):243.
doi: 10.3390/jcm12010243.

Clinical Evaluation of Corneal Biomechanics following Laser Refractive Surgery in Myopic Eyes: A Review of the Literature

Zofia Pniakowska  1   2 , Piotr Jurowski  2 , Joanna Wierzbowska  3   4
Affiliations
Review

Clinical Evaluation of Corneal Biomechanics following Laser Refractive Surgery in Myopic Eyes: A Review of the Literature

Zofia Pniakowska et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

The role of corneal biomechanics in laser vision correction (LVC) is currently being raised in the assessment of postoperative corneal ectasia risk. The aim of the paper was to evaluate the changes in corneal biomechanics after LVC procedures based on a systematic review of current studies. The results of a search of the literature in the PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases were selected for final consideration according to the PRISMA 2020 flow diagram. Included in our review were 17 prospective clinical studies, with at least 6 months of follow-up time. Corneal biomechanical properties were assessed by Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA), or Corvis ST. The results of the study revealed the highest corneal biomechanics reduction after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) followed by small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and surface procedures, such as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or laser-assisted sub-epithelial keratectomy (LASEK). In SMILE procedure treatment planning, the use of thicker caps preserves the corneal biomechanics. Similarly, reduction of flap thickness in LASIK surgery maintains the corneal biomechanical strength. Future prospective clinical trials with standardization of the study groups and surgical parameters are needed to confirm the results of the current review.

Keywords: Corvis ST; LASEK; LASIK; PRK; SMILE; corneal biomechanics; corneal hysteresis; corneal resistance factor; laser vision correction; ocular response analyzer.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Prisma 2020 flow diagram for Identification of studies via databases.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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