PURPOSE: To check if there is functional damage to magnocellular cells using the frequency doubling technology (FDT), after laser assisted in situ keratomileusis-LASIK intraocular pressure increase and to analyze the benefit of this test in patients undergoing refractive surgery, regarding involved costs. METHODS: Prospective study in 19 ametropic patients undergoing refractive laser assisted in situ keratomileusis surgery, at the "Hospital Oftalmológico de Sorocaba". Two frequency doubling technology examinations were performed in both eyes of patients before LASIK and one examination was done after the surgery. The assessment of the difference between the measurements of MD (Delta MD) was considered the dependent variable to formulate an evaluation of multiple regression. The costs of the frequency doubling technology and LASIK were analyzed. RESULTS: There was no difference between the MD (mean deviation) and PSD (pattern standard deviation) before and after the procedure (p= 0.4454 and p= 0.9716, respectively). The continuous variables did not significantly influence Delta MD (r²= 4.1%; F= 0.15; p= 0.96). We considered 1500 LASIK surgeries during one year at the "Hospital Oftalmológico de Sorocaba", and the average cost of this surgery is R$ 373.27. The frequency doubling technology costs R$ 13.15 for each patient. CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant difference between MD and PSD (pattern standard deviation) before and after the surgery. The frequency doubling technology has high sensitivity and specificity and low cost, so it could be used in patients undergoing refractive surgery (high cost) to avoid the laser assisted in situ keratomileusis in glaucoma patients.
Laser assisted in situ keratomileusis; Cost -benefit analysis; Refractive errors; Retinal ganglion cells; Perimetry
