Glaucoma and refractive surgery: A comprehensive review

Abstract

The global surge in refractive surgeries, particularly among myopic individuals, has elicited concerns regarding potential inaccuracies in the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) post surgery, primarily associated with central corneal thinning. The incidence of elevated IOP after intraocular refractive surgeries is higher than expected and is multifactorial. Myopic eyes have a higher susceptibility to both primary and secondary glaucoma. Consequently, meticulous preoperative screening for glaucoma is imperative, coupled with systematic postoperative follow-up and evaluation. This comprehensive review analyses the etiology, mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies for managing elevated IOP following refractive surgery. We propose an algorithm to summarize the causative factors of elevated IOP and formulate effective interventions in these instances.