Retina: Not just surgical anymore

Patients who undergo LASIK to treat myopia seem to beat increased risk for retinal detachment. C.P. Wilkinson, MD, of Baltimore,explained that while there is no direct data implicating LASIK in retinaldetachments in this patient group, animal models show that suction mimicsblunt trauma. Patients with myopia have primary vitreous changes as theresult of the disease and any manipulation that agitates the gel, as mayoccur in LASIK, increases the risk of retinal detachments. He cautionedLASIK surgeons to educate patients undergoing LASIK for myopia to be awareof the symptoms of retinal detachment and to return for treatment immediately.