Choroidal neovascularization in myopic eyes after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis

Purpose: To analyze the appearance and characteristics of choroidal neovasc ularization (CNV) in patients with high myopia corrected by laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Patients and Methods: The authors studied CNV in 2955 consecutive eyes (163 2 patients) that underwent LASIK for the correction of myopia (from -6 to - 27.5 diopters). Follow-up was 34.2 +/- 11.3 months. Results: Choroidal neovascularization occurred in three eyes (0.10%) and in one eye previous CNV was reactivated (three women, one man). The time inte rval between refractive surgery and CNV was 13 +/- 9.5 months (range, 4-26 months). Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after LASIK and before CN V development was 20/57 (range, 20/100-20/29). After the appearance of CNV, mean BCVA was 20/606 (range, 20/2000-20/80), Differences between BCVA befo re and after CNV were statistically significant (P = 0.04, paired Student's t-test). The CNV was treated in two cases by argon laser photocoagulation and in two cases by surgical excision of CNV by vitrectomy. The final mean BCVA was 20/277 (range, 20/800 -20/50). Differences between BCVA after LASI K and after CNV treatment were statistically significant (P = 0.04, paired Student's t-test). Conclusions: Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis as a correcting procedur e for myopia was followed by low appearance of CNV. The appearance and trea tment of CNV was followed by a significant decrease of BCVA.