Objective: To investigate the early changes of tear film after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).
Methods: One hundred and forty-eight myopic eyes that underwent LASIK were randomly chosen. The eyes were observed for subjective complaints of dry eye, fluorescein staining (Fl), rose bengal staining (Rb), tear break-up time (BUT), Schirmer's I test preoperatively and 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months postoperatively.
Results: The subjective complaints of dry eye were more severe after the operation. There were obvious decreases in BUT at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months postoperatively relative to the preoperative level (P < 0.05). The Schirmer's I test result was higher at 1 day but without statistical significance (P > 0.05), but lower at 1 week, 3 months (P < 0.05) after LASIK. No changes were observed in Schirmer's I test between preoperative and 1 month postoperative value (P > 0.05). Rb and Fl staining dots were more concentrated at 1 day and 1 week postoperatively (P < 0.0127). No significant changes were found in Rb staining at 1 month and 3 months postoperatively.
Conclusion: LASIK does have some effects on tear film.