Straylight values 1 month after laser in situ keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE: To compare straylight values before and 1 month after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). SETTING: Private practice refractive surgery center, Delft, The Netherlands. METHODS: In a prospective nonrandomized study, straylight values of 21 patients (42 eyes) were measured using the van den Berg straylight meter (third generation) during intake sessions at a refractive surgery clinic. Of the 21 patients, 12 were scheduled for LASIK (6 patients, 12 eyes) or PRK (6 patients, 12 eyes). At the 1-month follow-up visit, straylight values were measured again in the same manner and compared with the preoperative straylight values. RESULTS: Overall, there was no statistically significant increase in straylight values compared with the preoperative values 1 month after LASIK or PRK (P>.05). Individual straylight values increased in some cases, however, and the values correlated well with decreased quality of vision and changes in the eye examination. CONCLUSION: Straylight values 1 month after LASIK or PRK did not increase on average, although individual straylight values increased in some cases.