Research progress on mechanism and medical prevention of refractive regression after laser myopia corneal refractive surgery

Abstract

Laser corneal refractive surgery is an effective way for the correction of myopia, and its long-term stability is a common concern of surgeons and patients. However, refractive regression is still one of the most common postoperative long-term complications, which has a great impact on postoperative refractive state and visual quality. Refractive regression may be related to many factors, such as the remodeling of corneal epithelium and stroma, and the imbalance between corneal biomechanics and intraocular pressure. Although enhancement surgery could be a useful way to correct refractive regression, there is a risk of corneal ectasia and other complications. Some intraocular pressure lowering medications can be used to rebuild the balance of intraocular pressure and corneal biomechanics, and to prevent postoperative refractive regression by affecting the thickness of corneal epithelium. To a certain extent, the type, the timing and the way of intraocular pressure lowering medications application may have an impact on the prevention and treatment effect of refractive regression.

Keywords

• laser corneal refractive surgery
• refractive regression
• corneal biomechanics
• corneal epithelium remodeling
• intraocular pressure lowering medications