Binocular visual performance after LASIK

PURPOSE: To analyze binocular visual function after LASIK. METHODS., Eye aberrometry and corneal topography was obtained for both eyes in 68 patients (136 eyes). To evaluate visual performance, monocular and binocular contrast sensitivity function and disturbance index for quantifying halos were measured, Tests were performed under mesopic conditions. RESULTS: Binocular summation and disturbance index diminished significantly (P<.0001) after LASIK with increasing interocular differences in corneal and eye aberrations. Binocular visual deterioration was greater than monocular deterioration for contrast sensitivity function and disturbance index. CONCLUSIONS: Binocular function deteriorates more than monocular function after LASIK This deterioration increases as the interocular differences in aberrations and corneal shape increase. Improvements in ablation algorithms should minimize these interocular differences.