Two-step versus Single Application of Mitomycin-C in Photorefractive Keratectomy for High Myopia

To evaluate the long-term outcomes of two-step versus single application of mitomycin-C (MMC) during photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for high myopia.

This randomized clinical trial included consecutive patients with high myopia (exceeding 7 D). Patients underwent PRK and were randomized to two methods of MMC 0.02% application as follows: in the single application group, MMC was applied for 45 seconds followed by irrigation; in the two-step group MMC was used identically followed by repeat application for another 15 seconds and corneal surface irrigation. Visual acuity, refractive error, pachymetry, topography, corneal haze and complications were compared between the two groups 18 months after surgery.

One hundred and forty patients (70 subjects in either study arm) underwent PRK according to the study protocol. Mean spherical equivalent refractive error was significantly reduced from baseline to -1.16±0.39 D in the single application group and to -1.07±0.39 D in the two-step group. Sixteen (11.5%) versus 8 (5.7%) eyes lost one or more line(s) of best corrected visual acuity in the single application group as compared to the two-step group (P=0.05). Corneal haze was observed in 18 (12.9%) and 8 (5.7%) eyes in the single application versus two-step group, respectively (P=0.04). Grade 3 corneal haze was not observed in the two-step group but occurred in five eyes (3.6%) in the single application group (P=0.03). No eyes developed corneal ectasia during the follow-up period.

Two-step intraoperative application of MMC 0.02% in highly myopic eyes undergoing PRK can reduce the frequency and severity of haze formation.