Repeated photorefractive keratectomy for undercorrection and regression

PURPOSE: Regression (often combined with significant haze) and undercorrection are the most frequent complications after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia. PRK retreatment has been used to treat both of these complications. METHODS: Sixty-three eyes (55 patients) were reoperated (PRK) because of initial regression or undercorrection. The mean interval between the operations was 17.2 months (range 5 to 37 mo). Residual myopia before retreatment was less than -5.00 D in 62 eyes (mean -2.21 +/- 0.99 D) and was -10.50 D in one eye. The same surgical PRK technique (Aesculap-Meditec MEL 60 excimer laser with 5 or 6-mm ablation zone) was used in both operations. RESULTS: One-year results were available for 51 eyes. In the group of eyes with low residual myopia (<-5.00 D), mean refraction 1 year after retreatment was -0.42 +/- 0.96 D and 43 eyes (86%) were within +/-1.00 D of emmetropia. Uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better was achieved in 43 eyes (86%) after 1 year. One eye lost two lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity after two procedures because of haze. Mean haze was the same before and 12 months after reoperation (grade 0.39 vs. 0.38). Significant haze (>2) and high regression after the first PRK occurred after reoperation. The one eye with -10.50 D residual myopia after the first PRK showed high regression, and 1 year after the reoperation refraction was -9.50 D with grade 2 haze. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated PRK was safe and in most cases effective in treating regression and undercorrection in eyes with low residual myopia after initial PRK. High regression and especially haze after the initial PRK often reappeared after reoperation.