Our Summary

This study aimed to investigate the link between corneal refractive surgery (a type of eye surgery often used to correct vision issues like nearsightedness) and the likelihood of developing glaucoma (a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to high pressure in the eye) in the Korean population.

Researchers used data from a large-scale national health and nutrition survey in Korea, looking at over 600 eyes that had undergone this type of surgery and comparing them to nearly 3400 eyes that had not had any kind of eye surgery. They diagnosed glaucoma based on internationally recognized standards.

Initially, they found no difference in the rate of glaucoma between those who had eye surgery and those who hadn’t. However, after adjusting for factors such as age, sex, the degree of nearsightedness, and eye pressure, they found that those who had undergone corneal refractive surgery had over nine times the risk of developing glaucoma.

Interestingly, when they focused only on eyes with a high degree of nearsightedness, this increased risk wasn’t present. This suggests that while corneal refractive surgery might increase the risk of glaucoma in the general population, this might not be the case for those with a high degree of nearsightedness.

FAQs

  1. Does corneal refractive surgery increase the risk of developing glaucoma?
  2. Did the study find a difference in the rate of glaucoma between those who had undergone corneal refractive surgery and those who hadn’t?
  3. Does the increased risk of glaucoma after corneal refractive surgery apply to those with a high degree of nearsightedness?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering ocular surgery to be aware of the potential risk of developing glaucoma after the procedure. They may advise monitoring their eye health closely and attending regular follow-up appointments to catch any potential issues early on. Additionally, they may recommend discussing any concerns or questions with their eye surgeon before proceeding with the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended ocular surgery include those with refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, as well as patients with cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disorders, and other eye conditions that cannot be effectively treated with glasses or contact lenses. Additionally, patients who have experienced trauma to the eye or have a congenital eye condition may also be recommended for ocular surgery.

Timeline

Before ocular surgery:

  1. Patient consults with an ophthalmologist to discuss the need for surgery and the potential risks and benefits.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluations to determine their eligibility for surgery.
  3. Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including any necessary medications or dietary restrictions.

After ocular surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which may involve LASIK, PRK, or another type of corneal refractive surgery.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort or blurry vision immediately following surgery.
  3. Patient is instructed on post-operative care, including the use of eye drops, avoiding rubbing the eyes, and attending follow-up appointments.
  4. Patient gradually experiences improved vision as the eyes heal and adjust to the surgery.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the success of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about ocular surgery in relation to this study include:

  1. What type of eye surgery are you recommending for me, and how does it differ from corneal refractive surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the eye surgery you are recommending?
  3. Have there been any studies or research conducted on the long-term effects of this type of eye surgery, specifically in relation to the development of glaucoma?
  4. Based on my individual factors such as age, sex, and degree of nearsightedness, am I at a higher risk for developing glaucoma after undergoing corneal refractive surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available that do not carry the same risk of glaucoma development?
  6. How often should I have follow-up appointments after the surgery to monitor for any signs of glaucoma or other complications?
  7. What symptoms should I watch out for that may indicate a problem with my eyes after the surgery?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to reduce my risk of developing glaucoma after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Song JS, Lee YB, Kim JA, Lee EJ, Kim H. Journal: Br J Ophthalmol. 2022 Feb;106(2):172-176. doi: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-317133. Epub 2020 Oct 23. PMID: 33097521