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Photorefractive keratectomy in ophthalmic residents
J A Moilanen1, M H Vesaluoma, E T Vesti
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Helsinki, Finland. jukka.moilanen@hus.fi
Purpose:
To find out how ophthalmologists themselves experience the correction of myopia after photorefractive keratectomy. Visuomotor functions were of special interest.
Methods:
Four ophthalmology residents and one medical engineer underwent photorefractive keratectomy for myopia. Objective measurements including refraction, corneal topography, perimetry, contrast sensitivity, pattern visual evoked potentials, in vivo confocal microscopy, and a car driving simulator test were performed preoperatively, postoperatively, and at 6 months. Subjective evaluation was reported.
Results:
Performing ophthalmological examinations and microsurgery without spectacles was easier postoperatively and was appreciated by the four ophthalmology residents. Minimal haze formation, good accuracy, and normal performance in the car driving simulator were also observed. Visual fields, contrast sensitivity, and pattern visual evoked potentials did not show changes. Negative observations included postoperative pain for 2 to 4 days, dry eye symptoms, a period of anisometropia between operations, and hypersensitivity of the lids.
Conclusions:
The four ophthalmic residents were satisfied with the outcome of their refractive surgery. Low to moderate myopic correction did not affect the objective measurements of high and low contrast sensitivity, pattern visual evoked potentials, or simulated car driving in dark illumination.