Laser Refractive Surgery Using an Active Eye-Tracking System in Congenital Nystagmus

Abstract

Purpose: Nystagmus is not considered a good indication for laser refractive surgery. However, we report 2 cases with congenital nystagmus that underwent a safe procedure due to improvement of laser firing rate and eye tracker.

Case summary: Two myopic patients with congenital nystagmus underwent transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy with the Schwind Amaris laser platform using an eye tracker. The laser ablations were performed under topical anesthesia without any mechanical eyeball fixation. A 30-year-old man with a history of muscle surgery at 11 years of age had a conjugate, 4 Hz right beating jerk nystagmus. His preoperative refractive error was -8.50 D sph = -0.50 D cyl × 160° × 20/30) in the right eye, and -6.00 D sph = -0.75 D cyl × 30° × 20/25) in the left eye. A 19-year-old man had a conjugate, 3 Hz pendular nystagmus. His refractive error was -5.25 D sph = -2.50 cyl × 175° × 20/30) in the right eye, and -4.25 D sph = -2.50 D cyl × 180° × 20/30) in the left eye. Both patients underwent a well-centered laser ablation without any problems. Six months after surgery, uncorrected visual acuity was 20/25 or better, and refractive error was within ±0.50 D in all 4 eyes. In addition, the 19-year-old man showed decreased nystagmus amplitude.

Conclusions: In some patients with congenital nystagmus, laser refractive surgery may be safely and accurately performed under topical anesthesia using an active tracking system. The best uncorrected visual acuity may improve in certain patients postoperatively.