Late onset corneal haze after photorefractive keratectomy for moderate and high myopia.
BACKGROUND
Corneal haze after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) usually appears within 4 weeks after the procedure. A new type of corneal haze, starting relatively late after PRK, is reported.


METHODS
The authors reviewed the files of their first 1000 consecutive patients who completed a follow-up of 12 months or more and identified all those who had clear corneas for at least 4 months, after which corneal haze appeared. The clinical course in these patients was evaluated.


RESULTS
Late onset corneal haze (LOCH) had occurred in 18 eyes of 17 patients (incidence, 1.8%), appearing 4 to 12 months after PRK and resulting in decreased visual acuity and regression. Treatment with topical steroids or reoperation resulted in partial reversibility of haze and regression.


CONCLUSIONS
A new entity of LOCH is described. The appearance of LOCH suggests that corneal healing and remodeling continue for at least 1 year after PRK.
Lipshitz
I
I
Department of Ophthalmology, Ichilov Hospital, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
Loewenstein
A
A
Varssano
D
D
Lazar
M
M
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003315:Cornea / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003318:Corneal Opacity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D003907:Dexamethasone