PURPOSE:

To evaluate the safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in patients with autoimmune diseases.

SETTING:

Private clinical practice.

METHODS:

In this retrospective case series, the records of patients who had LASIK at the Maloney Vision Institute between June 1, 1998, and October 1, 2004, were reviewed for a history of autoimmune disease including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, scleroderma, inflammatory bowel disease, Graves' disease, Reiter's syndrome, and Hashimoto's disease. The records were reviewed for corneal and scleral complications of autoimmune disease after LASIK.

RESULTS:

Forty-nine eyes of 26 patients with inactive or stable autoimmune disease were identified. No eye developed corneal thinning, melting, persistent epithelial defect, persistent keratitis, scleral thinning, scleritis, or scleromalacia.

CONCLUSION:

Laser in situ keratomileusis may be a reasonable option in patients with well-controlled or inactive autoimmune disease.