Laser refractive surgery in a patient with a prepapillary arterial loop

J Refract Surg. 2008 Jan;24(1):49-51. doi: 10.3928/1081597X-20080101-08.

Abstract

Purpose: To present a patient with a prepapillary vascular loop, a congenital anomaly that has been associated with vitreous hemorrhage and retinal vascular occlusion, who underwent refractive surgery.

Methods: A 45-year-old man with 2.00 diopters (D) of myopia and a unilateral prepapillary arterial loop presented with an interest in LASIK. After consideration of the theoretical risks of LASIK, the patient underwent photorefractive keratectomy with manual de-epithelialization and a scanning spot excimer laser.

Results: Postoperatively, uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20, visual field testing was normal, and no complications occurred. Follow-up was 4 years.

Conclusions: Surface ablation was a safe method in a low myopic patient with a prepapillary vascular loop. This case emphasizes the importance of a thorough vitreoretinal examination in laser refractive candidates.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cornea / surgery*
  • Eye Abnormalities / complications*
  • Humans
  • Lasers, Excimer*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myopia / surgery*
  • Optic Disk / blood supply*
  • Photorefractive Keratectomy*
  • Retinal Artery / abnormalities*
  • Visual Acuity