Complications of laser keratomileusis with the excimer laser (193 nm)]

Complications of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia correction are presented based on 615 procedures with a follow-up of up to 2 years. Intraoperative complications with experienced surgeons are extremely rare. The used laser system worked without technical failures for the last 18 months. Gross eccentricities of the ablative zone (1.0 mm to 1.5 mm) occurred in two eyes (0.3%). Also, epithelial disorders are very rare. Recurrent erosions did not occur. Increased intraocular pressure due to the postoperative steroid medication (dexamethasone 0.1% or prednisolone 1%) was manifest in about 30% in patients with a baseline myopia of up to -9.0 D. In myopia over -9.0 D the incidence of steroid glaucoma was about 50%. Steroid responders reveal an increased risk of overcorrection. Subepithelial haze is a common symptom after PRK. Scarring interfering with vision correlates with the amount of attempted correction: up to 6.0 D the incidence of scars is about 0.5% and increases to more than 10% in corrections of more than 10 D. Also, undercorrections of more than 1 D depend strongly on the attempted correction. The most severe complication was a noninfectious corneal ulcer in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus. Therefore, autoimmune and connective-tissue diseases represent an absolute contraindication for PRK. Corrections of more than 6.0 to 7.0 D should be considered as a relative contraindication for PRK at this time.