title: Accuracy of visual correction in photorefractive keratectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the accuracy of preoperative optical assessment and other factors that influenced the final visual outcome after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).
  
  
  METHODS
  The records of 126 eyes from 54 male and 72 female eyes were studied retrospectively, ranging from 6 months to 3 years post-PRK. Refractive errors ranged from low to high myopia and astigmatism, and proper and careful preoperative selection of patients was made. A single standard ablation zone (AZ) of 6.00 mm and transition zone (TZ) of 7.00 mm was made in all cases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study population showed a high degree of accuracy in visual outcome. In simple myopia, 92.3% of female eyes and 84.1% of male eyes had a visual acuity of more than 6/9 or better. In myopia with astigmatism, 83.05% of female and 65.9% of male eyes had a visual acuity of 6/9 (20/40) or better. However, despite the residual myopia, whether with or induced astigmatism, post PRK visual acuity seemed to be less influenced by it, than as in the pre-PRK status.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study showed an accuracy in visual outcome of > 90% for females and > 80% for males. The Nidek EC-500 was satisfactory for its purpose.
authors.affiliation: Ophir Eye Clinic, Klang, Malaysia.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Deva
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003315:Cornea / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000592:standards*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014792:Visual Acuity