Intraocular pressure change measured by Goldmann tonometry after laser in situ keratomileusis

Purpose: To assess the accuracy of Goldmann tonometry after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Setting: University-based refractive surgery group (Clinque du Laser Visuel). Method: The database of patients who had LASIK was retrospectively reviewed. preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured in 145 patients. The correlation between decrease in IOP and various preoperative and intraoperative parameters was evaluated by regression analysis. Only one eye in patients having bilateral surgery was used for statistical analysis. Results: Laser in situ keratomileusis was associated with a mean decrease in IOP of 1.9 mm Hg +/- 2.9 (SD). There was no significant correlation between the decrease and any parameter evaluated. Conclusion: Intraocular pressure after LASIK decreased by a mean of 1.9 +/- 2.9 mm Hg. The cause of the decrease remains unknown.