Ectasia after LASIK – what is it?

Author: Dr. Victor Derhartunian 11 January 2024

Keratoconus, PMD and ectasia after LASIK – all three belong to the group of thinning corneal diseases characterized by protrusion of the cornea (ectasia).
Ectasia after LASIK is a complication after laser eye surgery.

Ectasia is comparable to keratoconus and shows similar symptoms.
The condition can occur shortly after the procedure, but also several years later.
Reasons for ectasia due to laser eye surgery (LASIK or PRK) include

  • Excessive removal of corneal tissue
  • Hormonal causes
  • Existing corneal diseases during laser eye surgery

Treatment of ectasia with CXL

Crosslinking (CXL) is an effective and globally recognized treatment option.
The main aim of the treatment is to stop the steady progression of ectasia.
Ectasia continues to progress after LASIK.
This makes it all the more important that the disease is detected and treated as quickly as possible.

Reducing the risk of ectasia after laser eye surgery

A detailed pre-operative examination serves to detect existing corneal diseases and can therefore reduce the risk of ectasia.
Postoperatively, you should always attend the recommended follow-up examinations for early detection – even if you do not experience any symptoms.

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Author:

Dr. Victor Derhartunian

Nachdem er sein Handwerk von den beiden Pionieren der Laserchirurgie gelernt hat, gehört Dr. Victor Derhartunian zu den führenden Augenlaser-Chirurgen. Er leitet die Praxis in Wien und kann seine Patienten in fünf Sprachen beraten.