Regression of myopia induced by pregnancy after photorefractive keratectomy.
BACKGROUND
We evaluated refractive corneal changes that occurred in women who become pregnant after undergoing excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for the treatment of myopia.


METHODS
Refractive results of 18 eyes of nine women who underwent PRK and became pregnant during the follow-up period were reviewed. All eyes were followed for a least 12 months after PRK. Subjective refraction, slit-lamp microscopy, and intraocular pressure were measured at each follow-up examination.


RESULTS
Twelve of 18 eyes (66%) had myopic regression during the follow-up period. The regression was associated with 1+ to 2+ corneal haze in 10 of these 12 eyes (83.3%). The three women (6 eyes) who had stable refractions after PRK became pregnant at least 5 months postoperatively. The corneal haze and the associated myopic regression improved in 50% of the eyes after delivery.


CONCLUSIONS
Pregnancy seems to induce effects on corneal wound healing following PRK.
Sharif
K
K
Sharif Eye Clinic, Amman, Jordan.
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D009216:Myopia / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000502:physiology; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology