Tapered transition zone and surface smoothing ameliorate the results of excimer-laser photorefractive keratectomy for myopia.
This report compares the results we obtained after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia using different treatment modalities. PRK was performed on 35 eyes (group 2; mean refraction, -5.7 +/- 2.3 D) using a tapered transition zone (TTZ), smoothing of the corneal surface, and somewhat more steroids than usual. The results were compared with those obtained in another group of patients (group 1) with equally high myopia in whom these measures were not used. Quicker rehabilitation and stabilization of visual acuity (VA) and less regression were observed. An uncorrected VA of +/- 20/40 after 9 months was found in 94.4% of eyes in group 1 (P = 0.026). A refraction of +/- D after 9 months was found in 89% of eyes in group 2 and in only 58% of eyes in group 1 (P = 0.024). Haze reduction was quicker and stronger in group 2, and fewer patients in this group suffered loss of best corrected VA. The results of PRK of myopia can be ameliorated thanks to improved technique and increased experience.
Schipper
I
I
Department of Ophthalmology, Cantonal Hospital, Lucerne, Switzerland.
Senn
P
P
Lechner
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000379:methods*; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D013256:Steroids; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D013256:Steroids