Surface ablation techniques.
The ongoing quest for a safe, simple, effective, minimally invasive, and stable refractive surgical procedure to correct refractive errors has stimulated the development of surface ablation techniques and laser in situ keratomileusis. In this review, we describe the history, patient assessment, techniques, outcomes, and complications of surface ablation (photorefractive keratectomy, laser-assisted sub-epithelial keratectomy, epithelial laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) and compare the results of various surface techniques. Surface ablation procedures will continue to evolve, with potential improvements in outcomes accompanying future sophisticated ablation profiles and laser technology.
Center for Refractive Surgery, St Franziskus Hospital, Münster, Germany.
Suphi
S
Taneri
Michael
M
Weisberg
Dimitri T
DT
Azar
D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D049008:Keratectomy, Subepithelial, Laser-Assisted / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history; D016896:Treatment Outcome