title: Prospective randomized comparison of simultaneous and sequential bilateral photorefractive keratectomy for the correction of myopia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of simultaneous bilateral photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).
  
  
  METHODS
  There were 52 patients (104 eyes) with myopia less than -6 diopters entered in this prospective trial and randomized to simultaneous or sequential bilateral PRK. Main outcome measures were uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), percentage of eyes within +/-0.5 D of attempted outcome, present pain intensity (PPI) and total pain rating index (PRI(R)T) scores resulting from McGill the Pain Questionnaire, subjective symptoms, haze, and patient satisfaction. Follow-up extended to 14 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no significant difference in UCVA (P=0.996) and percentage of eyes within +/-0.5 D of attempted correction (P=0.932). Present pain intensity and PRI(R)T scores were significantly higher in the sequential group (P=0.037; P=0.034). The percentage of satisfied patients after bilateral PRK was significantly higher in the simultaneous group (P=0.036).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Simultaneous bilateral PRK was safe and effective, without any significant difference from sequential treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology-Otorhinolaryngology, University of Bari, Italy. oftalm@cimedoc.uniba.it
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vetrugno
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maino
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cardia
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D012449:Safety; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014792:Visual Acuity