Results of a repeated excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy for myopia.
OBJECTIVE
As photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) becomes more widely used, the incidence of repeated PRK increases. The present study was conducted to evaluate results of repeated PRK in view of the meager data on this topic.


METHODS
In this retrospective study, the authors reviewed the records of 1028 eyes that had undergone PRK, and analyzed the results of 66 eyes that required a second PRK for undercorrection according to baseline refraction.


RESULTS
A second PRK was performed in 6.3%, 13.7%, and 10.1% of low, moderate, and high myopes, respectively. The mean refraction 1 year after repeated PRK was similar in both myopic groups: less than -1.00 D. Of the low myopes, 87.50% had residual refraction within 1 D after 1 year. Of the moderate myopes, 88.23% had residual refraction within 1 D after 1 year. All of the low myopes achieved uncorrected visual acuity (VA) of 20/25 or better 1 year after repeated PRK, compared with 58.82% of the moderate myopes. Loss of best-corrected VA never exceeded two lines.


CONCLUSIONS
The overall results of PRK appear to be satisfactory.
Hefetz
L
L
Department of Ophthalmology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.
Krakowski
D
D
Haviv
D
D
Eshkoly
M
M
Nemet
P
P
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000379:methods*; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology