Complications of photorefractive keratectomy for myopia: two year follow-up of 3000 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the results and complications of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia.


METHODS
Alicante Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Alicante, Spain.


METHODS
This prospective study evaluated the results and complications of the first 3000 cases of PRK performed with a VISX Twenty-Twenty excimer laser. Myopia ranged from -1.0 to -14.0 diopters (D) and astigmatism, from -1.0 to -5.0 D. Follow-up was 2 years.


RESULTS
Ten eyes (0.7%) lost two or more lines of best corrected visual acuity 1 year after surgery. Retreatment for undercorrection or regression was done in 7.41% in the low myopia group and 38.69% in the high myopia group. Central islands, which could be detected only on videokeratoscopy, occurred frequently but influenced the refractive and visual outcomes in few cases. Severe haze was present in 17 eyes only after 1 year follow-up. There were no cases of progressive hyperopia. Other complications such as eccentric ablation producing astigmatism (n = 15), delayed re-epithelialization, or recurrent corneal erosion were rare.


CONCLUSIONS
There were few complications after PRK in 3000 eyes. With proper patient selection, PRK can be considered relatively safe compared with other refractive procedures.
Alió
J L
JL
Department of Pathology and Surgery, University of Alicante, Spain.
Artola
A
A
Claramonte
P J
PJ
Ayala
M J
MJ
Sánchez
S P
SP
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012086:Reoperation; D012449:Safety; D014792:Visual Acuity