[Evaluation of the efficacy of long term topical steroid treatment to prevent regression after hyperopic LASIK].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of long-term versus short-term steroid treatment in preventing regression after hyperopic LASIK.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective single masked study. Hyperopic patients who were candidates for LASIK surgery were randomized to be treated with one week (topical dexametasone) in control group or one month (topical dexametasone the first week and topical fluormetalone the next three weeks) in study group. The three month postoperative manifest refraction was compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: 105 eyes were included in each group. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent was 3.17 D SD 2.82 D (standard deviation) and 3.39 D SD 2.65 D in the study and control group, respectively (p=0.6). The final manifest refraction in the three-month postoperative visit was 0.62 D SD 0.68 D and 0.6 D SD 0.3 D in the study and control group respectively (p=0.6).

CONCLUSIONS: Long-term topical steroid therapy does not appear to improve the refractive result in hyperopic LASIK.