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Photorefractive keratectomy with and without smoothing: a bilateral study
Sebastiano Serrao1, Marco Lombardo, Fabio Mondini
1University of Padua Institute of Ophthalmology, Padua, Italy. serrao@serraolaser.it
Journal of Refractive Surgery (Thorofare, N.J. : 1995)
|January 30, 2003
Summary
Adding smoothing to photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) significantly speeds epithelial healing and improves visual outcomes. This technique reduces haze and regression, though a slight hyperopic shift may occur post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Laser Surgery
Background:
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a common refractive surgery.
- Stromal smoothing and epithelial regeneration are critical for visual outcomes after PRK.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if a smoother stromal surface and accelerated epithelial healing after PRK enhance visual results.
- To compare outcomes of PRK alone versus PRK with smoothing.
Main Methods:
- Ten patients underwent unilateral PRK and contralateral PRK with smoothing.
- Digital photographs assessed stromal surface and epithelial healing at 0, 20, 40, and 60 hours post-surgery.
- Clinical examinations were conducted pre-operatively and at 1 and 3 months post-operatively.
Main Results:
- Epithelial migration velocity was significantly faster in the PRK plus smoothing group (0.083 mm/h) compared to PRK alone (0.064 mm/h).
- Corneal regularity index was better in the PRK plus smoothing group at 1 and 3 months.
- Improved visual outcomes and reduced haze were observed in the PRK plus smoothing group at 3 months.
Conclusions:
- PRK combined with smoothing using a flying spot laser improves visual results.
- The smoothing technique diminishes regression and haze formation post-PRK.
- A slight hyperopic shift was noted as a potential side effect of PRK plus smoothing.