LASER REFRACTIVE SURGERY IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOLOGICAL DISEASES

Abstract

Laser refractive surgery has been an increasingly popular option for correcting eye refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Patients with rheumatologic diseases often have additional concerns regarding surgical procedures due to possible interactions between the rheumatologic condition and the ocular response to surgery. Understanding the safety and effectiveness of laser refractive surgery in patients with rheumatological diseases is crucial to guide clinical decisions and improve the quality of life of these patients. Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of laser refractive surgery in patients with rheumatological diseases, focusing on improving visual acuity and the occurrence of complications. Methodology: This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases were searched for articles published in the last 10 years. The descriptors used were "laser refractive surgery", "rheumatological diseases", "safety", "efficacy" and "ocular complications". The inclusion criteria were: studies that investigated laser refractive surgery in patients with rheumatological diseases, articles published in the last 10 years and available in full text. The exclusion criteria were: studies with mixed samples of patients without separation of results by group, case reports and articles not available in English, Portuguese or Spanish. Results: It is highlighted that laser refractive surgery can be safe and effective in patients with rheumatological diseases, providing a significant improvement in visual acuity. However, some ocular complications may occur, such as dry eye syndrome and changes in corneal healing. Conclusion: Despite certain concerns and possible complications, laser refractive surgery is a viable option for patients with rheumatological diseases, as long as it is carefully evaluated and monitored. Proper patient selection and an individualized approach are essential to ensure satisfactory results and minimize risks.