Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy for the correction of myopia

Abstract

Aim of Study: To ascertain the efficacy, predictability, safety and stability of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for the correction of myopia. Methods: Nine-hundred and seventy-one eyes of 628 patients had PRK performed for the correction of myopia. The mean pre-operative myopia was - 5.7D ± 2.21D (range - 1.0D to - 15.25D). The mean attempted correction was - 5.0D ± 1.9D (range - 1.0D to - 9.90D). Results: Four-hundred and sixty-seven eyes had a follow-up of 6 months or more. Ninety-three percent of low myopic eyes (pre-operative myopia of less than or equal to 6.0D) arid 75% of high myopic eyes (pre-operative myopia of more than 6.0D) attained an unaided visual acuity of 6/12 or better. Seventy-four percent of low myopic and 50% of high myopic eyes were within 1D of the intended correction. The mean post-operative refraction at 6 months was 0.60D ± 1.46D. Eight eyes in the high myopia group and 1 eye in the low myope group lost 2 or more lines or best-corrected visual acuity. Conclusion: PRK was safer and produced better results for low myopes.