Choroidal neovascularization in myopic eyes after photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence, characteristics, and results of treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in myopic eyes corrected by photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). SETTING: University Miguel Hernández, Instituto Oftalmológico de Alicante, Alicante, Spain. METHODS: This study was of the incidence of CNV in 5936 consecutive eyes that had PRK for the correction of myopia. Mean follow-up was 38.5 months +/- 17.4 (SD). RESULTS: Extrafoveal CNV developed in the right eye of a 44-year-old woman 26 months after PRK for the correction of -12.00 diopters (D) of myopia. The follow-up after PRK was 38 months. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before PRK was 20/40 (spherical equivalent [SE] -12.00 D). After PRK, BCVA was 20/32 SE -1.75 D). The CNV was treated by direct argon-green laser photocoagulation and did not recur in the subsequent 12 months). After CNV treatment, BCVA was 20/32 (SE -2.25 D). CONCLUSION: The incidence of CNV after PRK for myopia was low. Choroidal neovascularization is a possible complication in myopic eyes, and the risk exists before PRK. After PRK, the risk of CNV in myopic patients did not increase.