SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF LASER ASSISTED IN SITU KERATOMILEUSIS (LASIK) IN MYOPIC EYE WITH LATTICE RETINAL DEGENERATION

Hisham Q. Alrawashdeh*, MD, Mohammad Alshdaifat, MD, Areej M. Almassafeh, MD, Mohammad E. Alessa, MD, Yazan Harahsheh, MD, Ahmed E. Khatatbeh, MD

ABSTRACT

Aim: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in myopic patients with pre-existing lattice retinal degeneration. Method: A retrospective study was conducted at King Hussein Medical Center (January 2024–January 2025) involving 100 patients (200 eyes) with peripheral lattice degeneration who underwent LASIK. Preoperative assessments included retinal pathology documentation (e.g., lattice degeneration, atrophic holes, vitreoretinal traction) and prophylactic laser retinopexy for high-risk lesions. Postoperative outcomes, including uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and retinal changes, were monitored over 1 year and compared to preoperative findings. Statistical analysis evaluated significance of new pathologies. Results: Preoperatively, 35% of eyes exhibited lattice degeneration, 18% white without pressure, and 5% retinal breaks. Post-LASIK, all eyes achieved UCVA of 1.0. No retinal detachment occurred during follow-up. New retinal pathologies (e.g., lattice degeneration increased to 39%, white without pressure to 20%) were observed in 10 eyes (5%), but changes were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Prophylactic laser retinopexy stabilized all treated breaks and atrophic holes. Conclusion: LASIK is safe and effective in myopic eyes with lattice degeneration when combined with preoperative retinal screening and targeted prophylaxis. Postoperative retinal changes likely reflect natural myopic progression rather than LASIK-induced complications. Short-term findings align with global studies, though longer follow-up is warranted to assess late-onset risks.

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