Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy and photorefractive keratectomy for post-penetrating keratoplasty myopia and astigmatism in adults.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) achieve effective targeted correction and the extent of post-treatment corneal haze after corneal transplantation.


METHODS
Nonhospital surgical facility, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.


METHODS
Evidence-based manuscript.


METHODS
This study evaluated visual acuity, refractive error correction, and potential complications after LASEK or PRK to eliminate refractive error differences after penetrating keratoplasty in adults. A Nidek EC-5000 or Technolas 217 excimer laser was used in all treatments.


RESULTS
At last follow-up (mean 20.50 months post laser), the mean spherical equivalent (SE) decreased from -2.71 diopters (D) ± 4.17 (SD) to -0.54 ± 3.28 D in the LASEK group and from -4.87 ± 3.90 D to -1.82 ± 3.34 D in the PRK group. The mean preoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was 1.63 ± 0.53 and 1.45 ± 0.64, respectively, and the mean postoperative UDVA, 0.83 ± 0.54 and 0.90 ± 0.55, respectively. The improvement in SE and UDVA was statistically significant in both groups (P < .01). The mean haze (0 to 3 scale) at the last follow-up was 0.46 ± 0.708 in the LASEK group and 0.58 ± 0.776 in the PRK group.


CONCLUSIONS
The UDVA improved and refractive errors were effectively reduced after LASEK or PRK in eyes with previous PKP. There was no significant difference in the change in SE, UDVA, or corrected distance visual acuity between LASEK and PRK. Some patients had evidence of corneal haze, although the difference between the groups was not significant.
University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta, Canada.
Paul Y C
PY
Huang
Peter T
PT
Huang
William F
WF
Astle
April D
AD
Ingram
Ania
A
Hèbert
John
J
Huang
Stacy
S
Ruddell
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003318:Corneal Opacity / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D049008:Keratectomy, Subepithelial, Laser-Assisted / Q000009:adverse effects; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014792:Visual Acuity