Myopic photorefractive keratectomy with the excimer laser. One-year follow-up.
To evaluate the efficacy, predictability, and stability of myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), the authors completed a 1-year follow-up study on a consecutive series of 26 sighted eyes undergoing this procedure. The results of this follow-up are presented. In addition, side effects and complications in another 255 sighted eyes with a follow-up of 3 months to 1 year are reported to judge the safety of the procedure. Twenty-four of 26 eyes (92%) were within +/- 1.0 diopter (D) of the intended final refraction (baseline, -1.4 to -9.25 D). Fifty-eight percent of the eyes were stable within +/- 0.25 D between 6 and 12 months. One year after surgery, none of the patients lost or gained more than one line of best corrected (spectacle) visual acuity. Uncorrected visual acuity improved to 20/40 or better in 96% of the eyes and to 20/20 or better in 48% of the eyes (not including the eyes that were intentionally undercorrected). However, visual acuity with glare decreased from 20/27 preoperatively to 20/31 after 1 year. Scarring occurred in 2.8% of the treated corneas. Risk factors for scarring include noncompliance with postoperative steroid medication, high myopic corrections, and high steroid responders (3.1%). Collagen vascular and other autoimmune diseases are a contraindication for PRK.
Universitäts-Augenklinik im Klinikum Charlottenburg Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany.
T
T
Seiler
J
J
Wollensak
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D013256:Steroids / Q000009:adverse effects; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D014792:Visual Acuity
D013256:Steroids