Macular hemorrhage after laser in situ keratomileusis for high myopia

We describe 2 women with high myopia of -12.0 and -18.0 diopters who presen ted with myopic macular hemorrhages 1 and 4 days, respectively, after being treated by laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). One hemorrhage was relate d to a pre-existing choroidal neovascularization and the other to the prese nce of lacquer cracks. The hemorrhages resolved but resulted in a permanent decrease in vision. A careful fundus examination should be conducted befor e performing LASIK in highly myopic patients. In cases of similar macular p athology, fluorescein angiography should be done before LASIK. (C) 2000 ASC RS and ESCRS.