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Cooling effect on excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy
Y Kitazawa1, E Maekawa, S Sasaki
1Department of Visual Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Graduate School, Japan.
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
|October 8, 1999
Summary
Corneal cooling during photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) significantly reduces postoperative pain and corneal haze. This innovative technique also appears to mitigate myopic regression, improving long-term refractive outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Laser Surgery
Background:
- Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a common refractive surgery.
- Postoperative pain and corneal haze are known complications of PRK.
- Myopic regression can affect long-term visual outcomes after PRK.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of corneal cooling during PRK.
- To assess effects on postoperative pain, corneal haze, and refractive outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial comparing conventional PRK with cooling PRK was conducted.
- Thirty-eight highly myopic eyes were divided into two groups.
- Postoperative pain, visual acuity, refraction, and complications were monitored for up to two years.
Main Results:
- The cooling PRK group reported significantly less pain one day postoperatively (P < .01).
- Corneal haze scores were significantly lower in the cooling PRK group at three months (P < .01).
- While not statistically significant initially, residual refractive error was less in the cooling PRK group at two years, with fewer eyes experiencing significant myopic regression.
Conclusions:
- Corneal cooling is an effective method to reduce postoperative pain and corneal haze after PRK.
- Cooling PRK may help to reduce myopic regression, leading to more stable refractive outcomes.