Ophthalmology. 2004 Jan;111(1):24-7.  

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=14711709&query_hl=11&itool=pubmed_docsum

Comment in: Ophthalmology. 2005 Feb;112(2):359.  

Flaxel CJ, Choi YH, Sheety M, Oeinck SC, Lee JY, McDonnell PJ. Doheny Retina Institute of the Doheny Eye Institute, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate axial length changes associated with anterior shift of the lens/iris diaphragm and anterior vitreous base in human cadaver eyes during suction ring application preceding Moria LASIK, and to propose that these changes may be associated with anterior retinal tears.  

DESIGN: Human eye study.  

MATERIALS: Eight human eye bank eyes ranging in age from 65 to 73 years. Two eyes had a history of intraocular surgery involving cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation.  

INTERVENTION: Measurements of intraocular pressure via internal manometer and Tono-Pen, anterior chamber depth, and axial length before and after application of a Moria LASIK suction ring.  

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in anterior chamber depth and axial length after Moria LASIK suction ring application.  

RESULTS: Axial length increases (mean change = 1.125 mm, P = 0.02) after application of the suction ring, whereas anterior chamber depth shows no significant difference (mean change = -0.01 mm, P = 0.9, suggesting anterior movement of the vitreous base resulting in traction on the anterior retina.  

CONCLUSION: Axial length increase with anterior displacement of the vitreous base during suction ring placement might predispose susceptible eyes to anterior retinal tears during and after LASIK.