AIM: To observe the effect of sub-bowman keratomileusis(SBK)on the posterior corneal curvature, posterior corneal elevation and anterior chamber parameters.

METHODS: Prospective self controlled study. Totally 49 patients(97 eyes)with myopia who had planned for SBK were included in this study, mean posterior corneal curvature, central posterior corneal elevation(PCE), anterior chamber volume(ACV), central and peripheral anterior chamber depth(ACD)were measured by Oculyzer before and 1wk, 1y, 3y after surgery. Repeated measure analysis of variance was adopted for data analysis.

RESULTS: There were no significant differences in mean posterior corneal curvature at any time point postoperatively compared with that preoperatively(P>0.05). However, central PCE, ACV and central ACD at 1wk, 1y and 3y postoperatively were all decreased(P<0.01). Except for the anterior peripheral ACD at 3y after SBK, other peripheral ACD at any time point postoperatively were all decreased(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The posterior corneal curvature remained stable after SBK, while the central PCE shifted slightly backward and the entire anterior chamber became shallow.