AIM: To analyze the changes in higher-order aberrations on anterior corneal surface in the early stages(within 1d)after laser in situ keratomileusis(LASIK).

METHODS: A prospective study was designed for 200 eyes of 100 patients who had underwent LASIK. A 3D sirius corneal topography system(SIRIUS)was used to collect and measure the root mean square(RMS)of corneal aberrations at the 4mm optical zones of cornea in different time(preoperation and postoperation of 5, 30, 60min; 1d). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance(ANOVA).

RESULTS: From 5min to 60min after surgery, the higher-order aberrations(HOA)on the peak area of corneal surface were significantly increased, but all in the second day returned to the preoperative level and the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05). In each aberrations' the root mean square(RMS)of Z₁₇ was markedly increased to maximum 1126.98%(P<0.01), and the minimal increase of Z₁₂ was 147.92%(P=0.03). Their peaks of higher-order aberrations were different. According to their characteristics, they can be divided into single-peak period, double peak, and platform-type. Compared with postoperative 5min, the average central corneal thickness in the postoperative 30 and 60min increased significantly and recovered until the next day.

CONCLUSION: Higher-order aberrations on anterior corneal surface in the early stages after LASIK increase significantly, and return to the preoperative levels within 1d.