Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy for presbyopia: 24-month follow-up in three eyes.
BACKGROUND
For some patients, standard optical correction for presbyopia is not satisfactory. Using a specially designed mask, we developed a procedure for correcting presbyopia with excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).


METHODS
A mask consisting of a mobile diaphragm formed by two blunt blades was used to ablate a 10 to 17 microm deep semilunar-shaped zone immediately below the pupillary center, steepening the corneal curvature in that area. Three eyes of three presbyopic patients were treated, aiming at a near addition of +3.00 D. Follow-up time was 24 months.


RESULTS
After an initial regression of 1.00 D during the first 6 months, the presbyopic correction remained stable for the duration of the follow-up period, enabling uncorrected near vision of J3 in all three eyes. Uncorrected distance visual acuity was not altered. Contrast sensitivity (Regan) was slightly decreased only at the 11% level. Videokeratography confirmed corneal steepening in the ablated area.


CONCLUSIONS
The visual and refractive outcome of excimer laser PRK for presbyopia with the Aesculap-Meditec MEL 60 is promising, especially in view of the 2-year follow-up.
Vinciguerra
P
P
Biomedical Science Institute of the S.Gerardo Hospital-Monza (MI) Italy.
Nizzola
G M
GM
Bailo
G
G
Nizzola
F
F
Ascari
A
A
Epstein
D
D
D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019781:Corneal Topography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy; D011305:Presbyopia / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D014792:Visual Acuity