Choroidal neovascularization in myopic eyes after photorefractive keratectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the incidence, characteristics, and results of treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in myopic eyes corrected by photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).


METHODS
University Miguel Hernández, Instituto Oftalmológico de Alicante, Alicante, Spain.


METHODS
This study was of the incidence of CNV in 5936 consecutive eyes that had PRK for the correction of myopia. Mean follow-up was 38.5 months +/- 17.4 (SD).


RESULTS
Extrafoveal CNV developed in the right eye of a 44-year-old woman 26 months after PRK for the correction of -12.00 diopters (D) of myopia. The follow-up after PRK was 38 months. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before PRK was 20/40 (spherical equivalent [SE] -12.00 D). After PRK, BCVA was 20/32 SE -1.75 D). The CNV was treated by direct argon-green laser photocoagulation and did not recur in the subsequent 12 months). After CNV treatment, BCVA was 20/32 (SE -2.25 D).


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of CNV after PRK for myopia was low. Choroidal neovascularization is a possible complication in myopic eyes, and the risk exists before PRK. After PRK, the risk of CNV in myopic patients did not increase.
Ruiz-Moreno
J M
JM
Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Hernández School of Medicine, Alicante, Spain. upr@xpress.es
Artola
A
A
Ayala
M J
MJ
Claramonte
P
P
Alió
J L
JL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000473:pathology