Refractive Changes during Prolonged Exposure to Altitude Following RefractiveSurgery

摘要

Results: 6 radial keratotomy patients (11 eyes), 6 photorefractive keratectomypatients (12 eyes) and 9 control myopes (17 eyes) had the following measured at sea level: cycloplegic and manifest refraction, kerntometry, and pachymetry both central and peripheral. Patients also had videokeratography performed prior to being taken to altitude. Subjects then had these same parameters measured daily at 14,110 feet on Pike's Peak, CO for 3 days. Radial keratotomy patients demonstrated a significant hyperopic shift and corneal flattening during exposure to altitude when compared to control myopic eyes. Patients who had undergone photorefractive kerntectometry did not demonstrate a statistically significant shift in refraction or keratometry when compared with control myopes. Significance: Anecdotal reports have shown hyperopic shifts in radial kerntotomy patients after exposure to altitude. We confirmed this in a study population. Photorefractive keratectomy patients do not appear to be susceptible to this refractive shift.