[PRK with InPro-Gauss excimer laser: statistical analysis of results]

To analyse retrospectively the pre- and postoperative refraction and visual acuity according to Standard Graphs proposed by Waring for refractive surgery.

Ninety-three eyes with myopia ranging from -1.50 to -8 diopters (D) and/or with astigmatism ranging from 0.75 to 3 D were treated between July 1998 and June 2001. The laser delivers a broad beam with a regular gaussian energy repartition obtained by means of a plate containing an array of diffractive micro-lenses.

The coefficient of linear correlation between the attempted and achieved spherical equivalent refraction was 0.97. A postoperative spherical equivalent refraction between -0.50 and +0.50 D was found in 92.3% of eyes. The defocus equivalent refraction (spherical refraction added to one-half of the cylindrical component, ignoring the sign) represents more accurately the reality of the refractive state, and in our study was within +/- 0.50 D for 86.4% of the eyes. A preoperative best corrected visual acuity of 10/10 was found in 78% of eyes and 64% achieved postoperatively an uncorrected visual acuity of 10/10.

The InPro-Gauss excimer laser gives good refractive results. The Gauss profile delivery system provides reliability and quality of the ablated surface of cornea.