Perioperative Low-Level Light Therapy For Ocular Surface Protection In Patients Undergoing Femto-Lasik: A Prospective Double-Masked, Randomized Controlled Study
Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: FP31.01 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/vmga-5895
Authors: Dr Sergio Manuel Solarino* 1 , A/Prof. GIUSEPPE GIANNACCARE 2
1CATARCACT AND REFRACTIVE SURGERY,CENTROVISTA ,SELARGIUS,Italy, 2Ophthalmology,University of Cagliari,CAGLIARI,Italy
Purpose
Dry eye disease (DED) is among the most common complications experienced after femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (Femto-LASIK), often affecting visual recovery, as and patient satisfaction. Low-level light therapy (LLLT) has shown benefits in various ocular surface diseases, but its role in refractive surgery remains underexplored.
Sergio Manuel Solarino,1 Claudia Cannas,2 Valerio Calabresi,2 Filippo Lixi,2 Mario Troisi,3 Giorgia Deiana,1Roberta Schirru,1 Assem Namazbayeva,4 Giulia Coco,5 Mihaela-Madalina Timofte-Zorila,6,7 Daniel Constantin Branisteanu,6,7 Giuseppe Giannaccare.2
Setting
This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of perioperative LLLT in preserving tear film parameters and reducing ocular discomfort symptoms after Femto-LASIK.
Methods
In this prospective multicentric, randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled clinical study, adult patients undergoing Femto-LASIK were randomized (1:1) to receive periocular LLLT (633±10 nm, 15 min/session) or sham treatment 7 ± 2 days before and after surgery. Ocular surface evaluation was performed at baseline (T0), and 1 week (T1), 1 month (T2), and 3 months (T3) postoperatively. Outcomes were tear meniscus height (TMH), Schirmer test values, Dry Eye Questionnaire-5 (DEQ-5) scores. non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) and interferometry.
Results
Eighty eyes of 40 patients (mean age: 34.58±5.67 years) were analyzed. Unlike controls who showed a significant decline, patients receiving LLLT maintained approximately unchanged from T0 to T1 and T3 both TMH (from 0.25±0.07 mm to 0.24±0.07 mm and 0.25±0.06 mm) and Schirmer values (from 19.50±10.88 mm/5’ vs. 18.63±9.87 mm/5’ and 20.02±9.25 mm/5’). Similarly, DEQ-5 scores remained stable in the LLLT group (from 3.83±3.34 to 4.15±2.93 and 3.85±2.57) while worsened significantly in controls. NIBUT and interferometry values showed no significant within or between-group differences. No treatment-related adverse events occurred.
Conclusions
Perioperative LLLT is a safe, well-tolerated treatment that preserves tear volume and guarantees patient comfort after Femto-LASIK. These findings support its integration into perioperative care for refractive surgery patients.