[Haze and regression after photoreactive keratectomy (PRK)].
According to the recommendations of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG), PRK in myopic patients between -1.0 dpt and -6.0 dpt is a scientific acknowledge treatment. The risks of the treatment, however, increase in myopia above -6.0 dpt.


METHODS
Between june 1994 and october 1997 we performed PRK on 338 eyes from 212 myopic patients in the ALZ Eye Clinic Hamburg. Myopia ranged between -1.25 and -11.25 diopters. All treatments were performed with the Keracor 116 (Fa. Chiron Technolas). The procedure was the same in all cases: mechanical abrasion, excimer laser treatment, antibiotic and nonsteroidal antiphlogistic drops for three days followed by a corticosteroid therapy for 5 months.


RESULTS
Out of these 338 eyes, 17 eyes after 12 months had a persistent haze grade 1-2 or more according to Stein, Cheskes and Stein. These 17 eyes had also an average regression of -1.67 diopters (SD 1.8) and lost at least in minimum two lines of the best corrected visual acuity 12 months postoperatively. The refraction of the 17 eyes was more than -6 dpt preoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Haze after PRK is in most cases only transient. Haze of grade 1-2 or more after 12 months postoperatively is correlated with regression and a loss of best corrected visual acuity. PRK below -6 dpt in our hands never showed haze grade 1-2 or more 12 months postoperatively. Therefore patients with a refraction of more than -6 dpt before PRK should be informed about this potential risks. In these cases LASIK should be taken into consideration.
Katlun
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ALZ Augenklinik Hamburg.
Wiegand
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D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003348:Cortisone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011182:Postoperative Care; D013997:Time Factors; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D003348:Cortisone