Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy for low to moderate myopia using a 5.0 mm treatment zone and no transitional zone: 16-year follow-up.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) 16 years postoperatively.

SETTING:

Refractive Laser Suite, Mater Private Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

DESIGN:

Cohort study.

METHODS:

Myopic PRK was performed using the UV200 excimer laser with a 5.0 mm ablation zone. The following were evaluated in patients returning 16 years postoperatively: refractive stability, refractive predictability, corrected visual acuity, corneal haze, and subjective patient symptoms (eg, glare, halos).

RESULTS:

Most of the 120 eyes (80 patients) were followed for 2 years or more; 23 patients (39 eyes) were followed for 16 years. Preoperatively, the spherical equivalent (SE) ranged from -1.75 to -7.25 diopters (D) and astigmatism from 0.00 to 1.50 D. At 2 years, the mean SE was -0.25 D and at 16 years, -0.58 D. Overall, 31 eyes (79.5%) were within ± 1.00 D of emmetropia, with 6 eyes (15.4%) between 1.00 D and 2.00 D and 2 eyes (5.1%) between 2.00 D and 3.00 D. The final uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 27 eyes (69.2%) and 20/30 or better in 36 eyes (92.3%). Eight eyes (20.5%) lost 1 line of corrected distance visual acuity. Four eyes (10.3%) had visible haze and 7 eyes (17.9%) had hemosiderin. All patients stated they would have the procedure again.

CONCLUSION:

Photorefractive keratectomy was safe and effective in the treatment of myopia up to -7.00 D, and all patients reported being satisfied. There appeared to be slight regression over the follow-up period.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE:

No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

• Authors: Marc B Guerin, Fiona Darcy, Jeremy O'Connor, Michael O'Keeffe
• Journal: Journal of cataract and refractive surgery (J Cataract Refract Surg) Vol. 38 Issue 7 Pg. 1246-50 (Jul 2012) ISSN: 1873-4502 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22727294 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2012 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Adult
• Cohort Studies
• Cornea (physiopathology)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Glare
• Humans
• Lasers, Excimer (therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Myopia (physiopathology, surgery)
• Patient Satisfaction
• Photorefractive Keratectomy
• Postoperative Complications
• Refraction, Ocular (physiology)
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Treatment Outcome
• Visual Acuity (physiology)
• Young Adult