Diametral ablation--a technique to manage decentered photorefractive keratectomy for myopia.
OBJECTIVE
Decentered ablation after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is an intraoperative complication that may significantly influence the visual outcome. Currently, there is no accepted technique available to manage this problem.


METHODS
A technique of reoperation for eccentric ablation after PRK called diametral ablation is presented that uses a transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) that leaves epithelium over the area of primary PRK. This residual epithelium acts as a shield for the previously treated stroma during a second PRK located opposite to the primary PRK with reference to the pupil center. The results of six such retreatments (6 eyes of 6 patients) are presented.


RESULTS
In all eyes, a significant improvement regarding centration and subjective complaints was achieved. The eccentricity was reduced from 1.43+/-0.66 mm to 0.36+/-0.15 mm (P = .003).


CONCLUSIONS
Diametral ablation is a promising alternative treatment of eccentric ablation.
Alkara
N
N
Department of Ophthalmology of the Universitäklinikum CGC Dresden, Germany.
Genth
U
U
Seiler
T
T
D000328:Adult; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000601:surgery; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D019781:Corneal Topography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012086:Reoperation; D014792:Visual Acuity