Recovery of corneal sensation after myopic correction by laser in situ keratomileusis with a nasal or superior hinge

Abstract Purpose To measure corneal sensitivity after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) to determine the time required for recovery of this parameter. Setting Ohshima Hospital of Ophthalmology, Fukuoka, Japan. Methods Corneal sensation was measured with a Cochet-Bonnet-type esthesiometer in 75 patients before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after correction of myopia by photorefractive keratectomy (n = 21) or LASIK (n = 54). Results Photorefractive keratectomy did not affect corneal sensation. In the LASIK group, a large and significant decrease in corneal sensitivity was apparent at 1 month ( P P P Conclusion Recovery of corneal sensation had begun 3 months after LASIK and appeared complete after 12 months.