Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy and photorefractive keratectomy for the correction of hyperopia. Results of a 2-year follow-up

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the efficacy, safety, predictability, and stability of laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for low to moderate hyperopia with a 2-year follow-up. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Masaryk University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic. METHODS: This prospective comparative single-surgeon study included 216 eyes of 108 patients with hyperopia who received PRK in 1 eye and LASEK in the contralateral eye. The mean patient age was 38.3 years (range 25 to 58 years). The mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) cycloplegic refraction was +3.67 diopters (D) +/- 1.15 (SD) (range +2.00 to +5.00 D), and astigmatism was less than 1.00 D. In each patient, PRK was performed in 1 eye (Group A) and LASEK was performed in the other eye (Group B) using the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser. Postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, manifest and cycloplegic refractions, refractive stability and predictability, postoperative pain, and corneal haze were examined and statistically analyzed. A P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: At 1 week, the UCVA was 20/40 or better in 58% of PRK eyes and 85% of LASEK eyes (P =.037); at 2 years, it was 20/40 or better in 81% and 91%, respectively (P =.076). At 2 years, the UCVA for near was N8 or better in 73% of PRK eyes and 89% of LASEK eyes (P =.064). No patient lost 2 or more lines of Snellen visual acuity. The safety index was 1.03 in PRK eyes and 1.08 in LASEK eyes. Refractive stability was achieved at 6 months in LASEK eyes and at 12 months in PRK eyes. The mean SE cycloplegic refraction decreased from +3.58 D (PRK eyes) and +3.76 D (LASEK eyes) at baseline to +0.74 D and +0.32 D, respectively, at 2 years; in 57% and 78% of eyes, respectively, the refraction was within +/-0.50 D of the targeted refraction. Peripheral corneal haze scores at 3 to 9 months and pain scores at 1 to 3 days were significantly lower in the LASEK group than in the PRK group. CONCLUSIONS: Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy for hyperopia up to +5.00 D provided good visual and refractive results. It significantly reduced postoperative pain, grade of peripheral ring-shaped corneal haze, and regression of hyperopia. Hyperopic LASEK provided quicker visual recovery and achieved better efficacy, predictability, and refractive stability than hyperopic PRK.     

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.     

Photorefractive keratectomy to correct hyperopic shift after radial keratotomy

To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and predictability of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) to correct post-radial-keratotomy (RK) hyperopic shift.University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.This retrospective nonconsecutive case series comprised 53 eyes of 53 patients who had PRK to correct hyperopic shift after RK. Both RK and PRK were performed by the same surgeon at the same clinic from 1993 to 2001.The mean time after RK was 57 months (range 24 to 84 months). The mean follow-up after hyperopic PRK (HPRK) was 10 months (range 3 to 33 months). The mean hyperopic shift 1 month post-RK to HPRK was +1.6 diopters (D) +/- 1.0 (SD) (range +0.25 to +4.125 D). The mean pre-HPRK spherical equivalent (SE) was +2.15 +/- 0.80 D (range +1.00 to +4.125 D) and the mean post-HPRK SE, -0.10 +/- 0.80 D (range -2.00 to +2.125 D). At the last examination, 47 eyes (88.7%) had a refractive error within +/-1.0 D of emmetropia and 38 eyes (71.7%) had an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better. Two eyes lost 1 Snellen line of best corrected visual acuity. No significant haze or complications developed in any eye.Hyperopic PRK with a conservative technique (large optical zone and small ablation thickness) can be used successfully to correct RK-induced hyperopia in patients with small to moderate refractive errors. It appeared to be effective, predictable, and safe.     

Surface ablation after laser in situ keratomileusis: retreatment on the flap

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of superficial laser ablation on the flap as a treatment for residual ametropia after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). SETTING: Private practice refractive surgery center, Utrecht, The Netherlands. METHODS: This retrospective study comprised 18 eyes of 15 patients who had alcohol-assisted photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) retreatment for residual ametropia after LASIK. All patients who had retreatment on the flap between June 2004 and June 2005 were included in the study. Retreatments were performed by wavefront-guided excimer laser surface ablation using the Visx Star S4 laser. Outcome measures included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), subjective refraction, and biomicroscopy at the 3-, 6-, and 12-month postoperative visits. RESULTS: The preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) refraction was -0.63 diopter (D) +/- 0.87 (SD) (range -2.00 to +1.38 D). The mean amount of ablated cornea was 21.3 +/- 7.4 microm. At 3 months, the mean UCVA was 0.83 +/- 1.5 lines (range 0.40 to 1.25), yielding an efficacy index of 0.87. At 6 months, the mean UCVA increased to 0.98 +/- 0.8 line (range 0.63 to 1.25) and the efficacy index, to 1.03. At 12 months, 6 eyes were lost to follow-up. The mean UCVA was 0.83 +/- 2.2 lines (range 0.20 to 1.25), with an efficacy index of 0.87. The mean BSCVA was 0.98 +/- 0.9 line (range 0.80 to 1.25) at 3 months and 1.05 +/- 0.6 line (range 0.80 to 1.25) at 6 months, yielding a safety index of 1.03 and 1.11, respectively. At 12 months, the mean BSCVA was 0.95 +/- 1.0 line (range 0.63 to 1.25), with a safety index of 1.0. At 6 months, no eye had lost lines of BSCVA, 11 eyes had no change, and 7 eyes gained 1 line. At 12 months, 2 eyes lost 1 line of BSCVA, 8 eyes had no change, and 2 eyes gained 1 line. The mean SE refraction was +0.10 +/- 0.27 D (range -0.25 to +0.63 D) at 3 months, +0.06 +/- 0.37 D (range -0.50 to +1.13 D) at 6 months, and +0.15 +/- 0.39 D (range -0.50 to +0.88 D) at 12 months. On biomicroscopic examination, 1 eye had prolonged grade 1 haze that disappeared before 6 months. Two eyes of 1 patient who had hyperopic retreatment developed late-onset haze 8 months postoperatively. Eyes with microstriae in the flap before retreatment showed significant improvement after retreatment. There were no sight-threatening complications. CONCLUSION: Wavefront-guided LASEK or alcohol-assisted PRK retreatment on the surface of a LASIK flap was safe and effective in correcting small amounts of residual myopia.     

Hyperopic LASIK retreatments with the Technolas laser

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and predictability of hyperopic LASIK retreatments. METHODS: This retrospective, consecutive, non-comparative, observational study included 85 eyes that underwent hyperopic LASIK retreatment with 1-year follow-up. Complete ophthalmic examination included distance uncorrected (UCVA) and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), cycloplegic refraction, and pachymetry. Patients were divided into two groups according to the preoperative spherical equivalent refraction: group 1, < or = +3.9 diopters (D) and group 2, > or = +4.0 D. RESULTS: The UCVA improved from 0.31 +/- 0.2 to 0.7 +/- 0.2 in group 1 and from 0.2 +/- 0.2 to 0.6 +/- 0.2 in group 2 following retreatment. Mean spherical equivalent refraction improved from +2.8 +/- 0.85 to +0.2 +/- 0.9 in group 1 and from +5.3 +/- 0.9 to +0.3 +/- 1.3 in group 2 after retreatment. In group 1, 32 (72.7%) of 44 eyes had BSCVA > or = 20/25, and in group 2, 24 (58.5%) of 41 eyes had BSCVA > or = 20/25. After primary hyperopic LASIK, 25 (56.8%) of 44 eyes in group 1 and 19 (46.3%) of 41 eyes in group 2 maintained BSCVA or gained > or = 1 lines postoperatively in contrast to 21 (47.7%) of 44 eyes in group 1 and 22 (53.9%) of 41 eyes in group 2 after retreatment. In group 1, 11 (25%) of 44 eyes lost > or = 2 lines of BSCVA after initial hyperopic LASIK compared to 14 (31.8%) of 44 eyes after retreatment. In group 2, 10 (24.4%) of 41 eyes lost > or = 2 lines of BSCVA after initial hyperopic LASIK compared to 12 (29.2%) of 41 eyes after retreatment. After hyperopic LASIK retreatment, 31 (70.5%) of 44 eyes in group 1 and 19 (46.4%) of 41 eyes in group 2 were within +/- 0.5 D of emmetropia. Safety was 0.9 in both groups and efficacy was 0.8 and 0.7 in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Complications included epithelial ingrowth of 1 to 3 mm (30%) and flap edge melting (2%). CONCLUSIONS: Hyperopic LASIK retreatment improved the refractive results of initial hyperopic LASIK surgery with 20% to 30% of eyes gaining > or = 1 lines of BSCVA. The loss of BSCVA was greater after primary hyperopic LASIK than after retreatment.     

Photorefractive keratectomy for myopia with a 15 Hz repetition rate

PURPOSE: To evaluate excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia using a repetition rate of 15 Hz instead of 10 Hz. SETTING: The Cornea and Laser Eye Institute, Teaneck, and Department of Ophthalmology, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA. METHODS: Photorefractive keratectomy using a 15 Hz repetition rate was performed in 23 eyes of 14 patients by a single surgeon at 1 center. The attempted corrections ranged from -2.8 diopters (D) to -5.5 D. Preoperative and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), predictability, corneal haze, and subjective glare/halo were evaluated over 6 months. RESULTS: At 6 months, UCVA was 20/32 or better in all eyes and at least 20/20 in 14 eyes (73.7%). Two eyes (10.5%) lost 2 or more Snellen lines of BSCVA; postoperative BSCVA was at least 20/25 in 100% of eyes and 20/20 or better in 95.0%. Fifteen eyes (78.9%) were within +/-0.5 D of attempted correction, and 19 (100%) were within +/-1.0 D. Mean spherical equivalent refraction was -4.62 D preoperatively, +0.15 D at 1 month, -0.09 D at 3 months, and -0.37 D at 6 months. At 6 months, 4 eyes (21.0%) had no corneal haze and 14 (73.7%) had trace subepithelial haze. Fifteen eyes (78.9%) had no glare/halo effect at 6 months, and 4 (21.0%) had minimal glare/halo effect. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical outcomes after excimer laser PRK for myopia using an increased repetition rate of 15 Hz were good and similar to those in studies conducted with a 10 Hz repetition rate.     

Laser in situ keratomileusis for residual myopia after photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopic regression and undercorrection after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). SETTING: The Eye Institute, Sydney, Australia. METHODS: Fifty eyes of 32 patients were treated by LASIK for residual myopia following primary PRK. The mean spherical equivalent refraction (SEQ) was -2.92 diopters (D) +/- 1.57 (SD) (range -0.75 to -7.88 D). The mean refractive cylinder was 0.96 +/- 0.74 D (range 0 to 3.50 D). For analysis, the eyes were divided into 2 groups: those with 0 or low corneal haze (Group 1) and those with severe corneal haze (Group 2). In Group 1, the SEQ was -1.99 +/- 0.79 D (range -0.75 to -3.75 D) and in Group 2, -3.77 +/- 1.62 D (range -0.75 to -7.90 D). The procedure was performed using the Chiron Automated Corneal Shaper and the Summit Apex Plus laser. The mean interval between PRK and LASIK was 25 months (range 9 to 59 months). The following parameters were studied before and after LASIK retreatment: SEQ, mean refractive cylinder, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Complications after LASIK retreatment were evaluated. RESULTS: Six months after LASIK, the mean SEQ in all eyes was -0.65 +/- 0.86 D (range +1.50 to -3.35 D); 70.0% of eyes were within +/-1.00 D of emmetropia and the UCVA was 6/12 or better in 72.5%. The mean SEQ in Group 1 was -0.22 +/- 0.55 D (range -0.88 to -1.50 D) and in Group 2, -0.97+/- 0.92 D (range 0.12 to -3.25 D); the UCVA was 6/12 or better in 94.0% of eyes in Group 1 and in 56.0% in Group 2. No statistically significant between-group difference was found in lines of Snellen acuity lost or gained at 6 months. No eye lost more than 1 line of BCVA. CONCLUSIONS: Laser in situ keratomileusis appears to be a safe, effective, and predictable procedure for treating eyes with 0 or low haze with residual myopia after PRK. It is less predictable in eyes with severe haze.     

Phototherapeutic keratectomy with mitomycin C for corneal haze following photorefractive keratectomy for myopia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) with single application of mitomycin C for patients with severe corneal haze following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for high myopia. METHODS: Eight eyes of seven patients were treated with PTK and intraoperative topical application of mitomycin C (0.02%) for severe corneal haze (grade 3) following PRK for myopia. RESULTS: All patients' visual performance improved significantly. Mean preoperative visual acuity (20/200 for both UCVA and BSCVA) improved significantly to 20/33 (0.6) and 20/30 (0.7) for UCVA and BSCVA, respectively. Six eyes (85.7%) had improved UCVA to 20/40 or better and gained five or more lines of UCVA. The corneal haze score decreased from grade 3 initially (for all eyes prior to PTK and mitomycin C) to a final mean haze score of 0.3 (range 0 to 0.5). Mean final spherical equivalent refraction achieved was -1.30 +/- 1.60 D (range -3.75 to +1.25 D). One eye gained only three lines of visual acuity due to regression and residual haze. No adverse effects related to the use of mitomycin C were recorded. CONCLUSION: PTK with a single intraoperative application of mitomycin C was safe and effective in reducing corneal haze and improving visual acuity in patients with severe corneal haze following PRK.     

Comparison of photorefractive keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis for the treatment of compound hyperopic astigmatism

PURPOSE: To compare photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for compound hyperopic astigmatism. SETTING: University laser center. METHODS: This prospective nonrandomized study evaluated 41 consecutive eyes (27 patients) that had PRK and 24 consecutive eyes (15 patients) that had LASIK to correct compound hyperopic astigmatism. RESULTS: The mean preoperative error was +3.06 diopters of sphere (DS) +/-1.73 (SD)/+1.31 +/- 0.60 diopters of cylinder (DC) in the PRK eyes and +2.86 +/-1.28 DS/+1.55 +/- 0.96 DC in the LASIK eyes. The mean maximal pain score in PRK eyes was 1.95 +/- 1.19 (range 0.0 to 3.0) in PRK eyes and 0.84 +/-1.12 in LASIK eyes (P=.0014). The uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 7.7% of the PRK eyes and 58.3% of the LASIK eyes at 1 month (P<.001) and 57.9% and 66.7%, respectively, at 9 months (P=.586). The mean postoperative spherical error was -0.95 +/- 0.92 D in PRK eyes and +0.33 +/- 0.56 D in LASIK eyes at 1 month (P<.001) and +0.64 +/- 1.01 D and +0.44 +/- 0.57 D, respectively, at 9 months (P=.375). There was no statistically significant between-group difference in the mean residual astigmatic error. Mild peripheral haze (grade 0.5 to 1.0) occurred in 19.5% of PRK eyes and no LASIK eye. No eye in either group lost more than 2 lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Photorefractive keratectomy was more painful than LASIK and led to a slower visual recovery, a higher incidence of peripheral haze, and an initial myopic overcorrection, which self-corrected by 3 to 6 months. Efficacy and stability of the astigmatic correction were similar in both groups. Long-term stability of both procedures requires further study.     

Epithelial scrape for photorefractive keratectomy overcorrection associated with induced regression

PURPOSE: To study the effect of combined corneal epithelial scrape and contact lens wear treatment on regression in eyes with symptomatic overcorrection after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or PRK retreatment. METHODS: Fifteen eyes had corneal epithelial scrape with a scalpel followed by soft contact lens wear for approximately 1 month. Eight of the eyes were treated 3-4 months after the laser procedure, and seven eyes were treated >4 months after laser treatment. Fifteen eyes that had the same level of PRK correction and monitored during the same interval after PRK were used as matched control eyes. RESULTS: Epithelial scrape was performed for mean spherical equivalent (SE) of +1.1+/-0.4 diopters (D) (range, +0.50 to +1.75 D) at mean 6.1+/-3.2 months after PRK or PRK retreatment. The SE in these eyes was +0.5+/-0.6 D (range, -0.25 to +1.25 D) 3 months after epithelial scrape and +0.4+/-0.5 D (range, -0.75 to +1.25 D) 6 months after scrape. The change in scraped eyes at 3 and 6 months compared to before scrape was statistically significant (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). The change in mean SE at 6 months after scrape (-0.7+/-0.5 D) was significantly different than the change noted in matched control eyes that were not scraped (-0.1+/-0.2 D) over the same interval after the PRK or PRK retreatment procedure. The change in SE at 6 months after epithelial scrape was greater for the eyes scraped 4 months or less (mean, 3.6+/-0.5 months) after PRK (-0.9+/-0.3 D) than eyes scraped >4 months (9.0+/-2.6 months) after PRK (-0.4+/-0.5 D). This difference approached statistical significance (p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Epithelial scrape and soft contact lens treatment for symptomatic overcorrection after PRK may induce regression and is more likely to be effective when performed <4 months after the primary PRK or PRK retreatment procedure.     

Photorefractive keratectomy with 0.02% mitomycin C for treatment of residual refractive errors after LASIK

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of prophylactic mitomycin C (MMC) during photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) over LASIK flaps for the treatment of residual refractive errors following LASIK. METHODS: In this single center, retrospective clinical study, 30 eyes of 33 patients (mean age 37.2 years) who had MMC (0.02%, 30 to 120 seconds) during PRK for the treatment of residual refractive errors following myopic LASIK were evaluated. The retreatment procedures were performed with a VISX S4 laser with iris registration. All patients underwent slit-lamp microscopy, manifest and cycloplegic refraction, corneal topography, pachymetry, pupillometry, and wavefront analysis pre- and postoperatively. All patients underwent follow-up at 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, and 6 months and thereafter as required. RESULTS: Mean time between LASIK and PRK retreatment was 67.3 months (range: 7 to 113 months). No intra- or postoperative complications occurred during primary LASIK or PRK retreatment. Mean spherical equivalent refraction of attempted correction with PRK was -0.94 diopters (D) (range: -2.38 to +0.75 D). At mean 7.1-month follow-up, the average uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) improved from 20/50 (range: 20/30 to 20/200) to 20/28 (range: 20/15 to 20/70). Twenty-seven of 30 eyes showed improvement in UCVA. Two eyes had subjective improvement of glare symptoms (and objective improvement in higher order aberrations), and one eye lost one line of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity due to unrelated corneal abrasion in the postoperative period. None of the eyes in the cohort developed postoperative haze. CONCLUSIONS: Photorefractive keratectomy with prophylactic MMC (0.02%) is a safe and effective option for treating myopic regression following LASIK. A single intraoperative application of 0.02% MMC for as few as 30 seconds was effective in preventing postoperative haze formation.     

Correlation of subepithelial haze and refractive regression 1 month after photorefractive keratectomy for myopia.

PURPOSE: To relate myopic regression after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) to subepithelial haze at the first postoperative month. METHODS: One hundred nineteen eyes of 119 patients underwent excimer laser PRK for treatment of myopia up to -8.00 D. Eyes were examined at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery. All eyes received fluorometholone 0.1% for the first 5 postoperative months in a tapered dose. Dexamethasone 0.1% qid for 1 month was prescribed to all eyes with a spherical equivalent refraction less than plano, followed by an augmented dose of fluorometholone 0.1%. Eyes with myopia greater than -0.75 D at 12 months, as well as those that had received dexamethasone at any postoperative interval--regardless of refractive outcome--were considered to be regressed. Eyes that regressed and those that did not regress were compared statistically (Chi-squared statistical criterion with Yate's correction) regarding haze grade. RESULTS: Forty-seven percent (56 of 119) of eyes regressed. In 89.28% (50 of 56) of eyes, subepithelial haze grade was 1 to 2, and in 10.71% (6 of 56), subepithelial haze was graded 0 to 0.5 at 1 month. Fifty-three percent of eyes (63 of 119) did not regress and in all, subepithelial haze was graded 0 to 0.5 at the first month. The correlation between regression and haze grade 1 or more at the first postoperative month was statistically significant (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Mild to marked subepithelial haze (grade 1 to 2) at the first postoperative month after PRK for myopia is strongly related to regression of initial refractive effect and increasing myopia.     

Long-term outcomes of photorefractive keratectomy in eyes with previous epikeratophakia for keratoconus

PURPOSE: To determine the long-term safety and effectiveness of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in the treatment of refractive errors after epikeratophakia (EP) for keratoconus. METHODS: Ten patients (14 eyes) who had refractive errors after EP for keratoconus received PRK surgery. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refractive error, corneal astigmatism, pachymetry, corneal topography, and complications were monitored. RESULTS: Mean follow-up after PRK was 63.4 +/- 19.8 months. Mean spherical equivalent was -5.5 +/- 3.9 D before PRK, -0.9 +/- 0.5 D at 1 month after PRK, and -1.5 +/- 1.0 D at 3 years. Mean astigmatism was 4.2 +/- 2.1 D before PRK, 1.2 +/- 0.5 D at 1 month after PRK, and 1.5 +/- 0.6 D at 3 years. Thirteen (93%) eyes had an UCVA <20/40, and 12 (86%) had a BSCVA of 20/40 or better before PRK. At 1 year, the UCVA was 20/40 or better in 8 (57%) eyes, and the BSCVA was 20/40 or better in all eyes. Mean central corneal thickness was 749 +/- 35 microm before PRK and 621 +/- 56 mum at 3 years. During the follow-up period, haze (grade no more than 1.0) was observed in 2 eyes. No immune rejection episode or recurrent keratoconus was found. CONCLUSIONS: PRK appears to be reliable and safe for the correction of residual ametropia after EP for keratoconus, and the visual acuity can remain stable after PRK for a long time.     

Stromal wound healing explains refractive instability and haze development after photorefractive keratectomy: a 1-year confocal microscopic study

PURPOSE: To evaluate the mechanism(s) producing refractive instability and corneal haze development after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized, comparative case series, self-controlled. PARTICIPANTS: Seventeen eyes of 17 patients with low- to moderate-grade myopia (-2.88 to -9.13 diopters [D]) were included. METHODS: Surgical intervention was a standardized, 6-mm diameter PRK procedure using the Meditec MEL 60 excimer laser (Aesculap-Meditec, Heroldsberg, Germany). The photoablation center was evaluated before surgery and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after PRK using rapid, continuous z-scans of confocal images, termed confocal microscopy through focusing (CMTF). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Simultaneous epithelial and stromal thickness analysis and objective assessment of corneal light backscattering were obtained from digital image analysis of the CMTF scans. Corneal reinnervation and anterior stromal keratocyte density and wound healing morphologic features were evaluated on high resolution, in vivo confocal images. Manifest refraction was measured and corneal clarity was graded by slit-lamp biomicroscopy. RESULTS: Epithelial thickness averaged 45+/-10 microm at 1 month, 50+/-8 microm at 3 months, and 52+/-6 microm at 12 months after PRK, as compared with 51+/-4 microm before surgery, demonstrating complete restoration of the preoperative thickness without compensatory hyperplasia. Interestingly, epithelial rethickening had no significant correlation with refractive regression. By contrast, stromal regrowth (from 1-12 months) averaged 6+/-12 microm (range, 27 microm thinning-22 microm rethickening) and correlated closely (r = 0.84, P<0.001) with changes in refraction that averaged 0.84+/-1.23 D, ranging from -1.63 D (hyperopic shift) to +3.38 D (myopic regression). Stromal rethickening increased proportionally with the actual photoablation depth (r = 0.63, P<0.01); linear regression analysis suggested an average regrowth rate of 8% per year for the entire study group. Stromal rethickening was not associated with CMTF haze development over time, suggesting that haze and regression were caused by two independent wound healing mechanisms. In agreement with these findings, all "hazy" corneas showed increased numbers of anterior stromal wound healing keratocytes with increased reflectivity of both nuclei and cell bodies, suggesting that cellular-based reflections, as opposed to extracellular matrix deposition, are the major origin of increased corneal light scattering after PRK. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these data indicate that keratocyte-mediated regrowth of the photoablated stroma appears to be the main cause of myopic regression in humans treated with a 6-mm diameter PRK, whereas hyperopic shifts appear to be a direct consequence of stromal thinning. By contrast, the corneal epithelium appeared to restore its preoperative thickness without contributing significantly to the refractive changes after PRK. Finally, this study also provides strong evidence that the development of haze after PRK is directly associated with increased cellular reflectivity from high numbers of wound healing keratocytes.     

Early clinical results of laser epithelial keratomileusis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK). SUBJECTS AND METHOD: LASEK was performed on 82 eyes of 42 patients whose spherical refraction ranged from -0.75 to -12.00 D (mean, -6.09 D) and cylindrical refraction ranged from 0 to -5.00 D (mean, -0.95 D). LASEK is a method of making a epithelial flap using 20% ethanol and repositioning the flap after excimer laser ablation. The clinical results of postoperative refraction and complications were examined. RESULTS: At 1 week and 1 month after the operation, 69 eyes(84.1%) and 79 eyes(96.3%) achieved an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better. At 1 week and 1, 3 months after the operation, the mean spherical refraction was +0.09 +/- 0.49(mean +/- standard deviation) D, +0.29 +/- 0.47 D, +0.13 +/- 0.46 D. At 1 month 65 eyes (79.3%) were within +/- 0.5 D and 78 eyes(95.1%) were within +/- 1.0 D. 51 eyes (62.2%) had the complication of corneal haze. CONCLUSION: LASEK achieved good uncorrected visual acuity, but there were some complications such as postoperative pain, the delayed recovery of visual acuity, and corneal haze, so that a long and careful follow-up seems necessary.     

Clinical results and complications of refractive surgery

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with a scanning type excimer laser MEL-60 (AESCLUP-MEDITEC, Co). SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We performed PRK on 102 eyes of 62 myopic patients whose refraction ranged from-3.00 to -12.50 D (mean, -6.47 D) and examined the clinical results of postoperative refraction and complications. RESULTS: At 12, 18, and 24 months after the operation, the mean refraction was -1.57 +/- 1.25D, -1.63 +/- 1.51 D and -1.73 +/- 1.47 D. At 12 months after the operation, 36 eyes (46.2%) were within +/- 0.5 D of intended correction, 61 eyes (78.3%) within +/- 1.0 D, and 76 eyes (97.4%) within +/- 2.0 D. Twenty-four months after the operation, 12 eyes (37.5%) were within +/- 0.5 D, 18 eyes (56.3%) within +/- 1.0 D and 29 eyes (90.6%) within +/- 2.0 D. The complications were as follows: keratitis filamentosa was observed in 10 eyes (10.5%), decrease of contrast sensitivity in 7 eyes (7.4%), subepithelial corneal haze in 4 eyes (1.2%), steroid-induced glaucoma was 2 eyes (2.1%), increase of astigmatism in 2 eyes (2.1%), decrease of best corrected visual acuity in 2 eyes (2.1%), and corneal ulcer in 1 eyes (1.1%). CONCLUSION: PRK with a scanning type excimer laser MEL-60 was effective to reduce refractive error in low and mild myopia, but there were some complications, so that a long, careful follow-up seems necessary.     

Laser epithelial keratomileusis for myopia

PURPOSE: To describe a new technique for excimer laser corneal surgery: laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK). METHODS: We report 76 eyes with spherical equivalent refractive myopia ranging from -8.00 to -22.00 D (mean -11.00 +/- 3.00 D). Using ethanol applied over an 8.5-mm-diameter area for 20 seconds, the epithelium was detached and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) was performed. The epithelium was reapplied to the ocular surface and covered with a therapeutic soft contact lens. Treatments were carried out with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser. RESULTS: At a mean of 803 days after LASEK, mean spherical equivalent refraction was -1.80 +/- 2.40 D (range -9.27 to +2.00 D). Stability was reached in approximately 60 days. Fifty-nine percent of the epithelial flaps were easy to detach intact during surgery and 62.7% of patients reported no postoperative pain. Eighty-four percent of eyes had the therapeutic bandage lens removed by the fourth postoperative day. Twelve percent of eyes had incomplete epithelial flap removal. Epithelium can fall off the cornea during the healing phase. No significant subepithelial haze was seen in 95% of eyes. CONCLUSION: With LASEK, it may be possible to treat a larger diameter ablation zone in thinner corneas without the problems of a LASIK stromal flap and with less postoperative pain than PRK, with minimal subepithelial haze.     

Eight-year follow-up of photorefractive keratectomy for myopia

PURPOSE: We evaluated 8-year results of excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia in terms of stability and late complications. METHODS: Ninety-two myopic eyes of 55 patients were treated with a single-step method using an Aesculap-Meditec MEL 60 excimer laser with a 5.0-mm ablation zone. Treated eyes were divided into three groups according to preoperative refraction: low myopes (< or = -6.00 D), medium myopes (-6.10 to -10.00 D), and high myopes (>-10.00 D). RESULTS: Change in myopic regression stabilized in all myopia groups within 12 months, although a small myopic shift occurred up to 8 years after PRK. Mean change in refraction between 2 and 8 years was -0.42 +/- 0.48 D for low myopes, -0.37 +/- 0.34 D for medium myopes, and -0.41 +/- 0.50 D for high myopes. The percentage of eyes within +/- 1.00 D of emmetropia 8 years after PRK was 78.3% in the low myopia group, 68.8% in the medium myopia group, and 57.1% in the high myopia group. One eye lost 2 lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity due to irregular astigmatism. In 13.0% of eyes, a residual trace corneal haze was observed, which had no effect on visual acuity. Apart from the loss of 2 lines of BSCVA in one eye, there were no other late complications during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The mean change in refraction between 2 and 8 years was less than -0.50 D, regardless of preoperative refraction, and may be attributed to natural age-related refractive change. The appearance of residual corneal haze after 8 years correlated with the amount of myopic correction. PRK was a safe and stable surgical procedure in this group of patients.     

Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy retreatment after laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) retreatment after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). SETTING: Mater Private Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 22 eyes of 20 patients had LASEK retreatment for residual refractive errors after LASIK. All patients who had the procedure between January 2004 and May 2007 were included in the study. The main outcome measures at the final follow-up visit were efficacy, predictability, safety, and stability. RESULTS: The mean spherical equivalent (SE) was -4.50 diopters (D)+/-2.88 (SD) (range -10.00 to +3.87 D) before LASIK and -1.23+/-0.95 D (range -2.50 to +2.00 D) after LASIK. The mean time between the initial LASIK procedure and LASEK enhancement was 56.2+/-24.3 months (range 6 to 84 months). The mean follow-up after retreatment was 6.68+/-6.47 months (range 3 to 24 months). At the final follow-up visit, 19 eyes (86.4%) had an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/30 or better and 17 eyes (77.3%) were within +/-1.00 D of the target refraction. No patient lost more than 1 line of best corrected visual acuity or developed corneal haze greater than grade 1. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that LASEK retreatment after LASIK is a safe and effective alternative when LASIK retreatment is deemed unsafe because there is not sufficient residual corneal stromal bed or when retreatment is required many years after LASIK and relifting the original flap is expected to be problematic.     

Cooling effect on excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of cooling on pain, corneal haze, and refractive outcome after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). SETTING: Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. METHODS: The corneal surface was cooled before, during, and after laser ablation using a method called cooling PRK. Thirty-eighty highly myopic eyes of 38 patients whose spherical errors ranged from -8.00 to -18.75 diopters (D) were randomized into 2 groups: 16 eyes with conventional PRK and 22 eyes with cooling PRK. Postoperative pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Refraction, visual acuity, and complications were followed for up to 2 years. All data were analyzed and compared between groups to evaluate the cooling effect on PRK. RESULTS: One day postoperatively, patients in the cooling PRK group had significantly less pain (P < .01). At 3 months, the haze score in the cooling PRK group was significantly less than in the conventional PRK group (P < .01). The residual refractive error was not significantly different between the 2 groups until 2 years, when it was greater in the conventional PRK (mean -5.09 D +/- 2.11 [SD]) than the cooling PRK group (-4.64 +/- 2.27 D). Ten eyes (62.5%) in the conventional PRK group and 15 eyes (68.2%) in the cooling PRK group were within +/- 1.00 D of the intended refraction. There were no serious complications in the cooling PRK group. Two eyes in the conventional PRK group had severe corneal haze and lost 2 Snellen lines of best corrected visual acuity. CONCLUSION: Corneal cooling on PRK effectively reduced postoperative pain, corneal haze, and myopic regression.