Sub-Bowman keratomileusis compared with photorefractive keratectomy--contralateral eye study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Refractive Surgery
• Corneal Surgery

Background:

• Myopia and astigmatism correction are common goals of refractive surgery.
• Sub-Bowman keratomileusis (SBK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) are established surgical techniques.
• Comparing outcomes of different refractive surgery approaches is crucial for patient selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the objective and subjective outcomes of SBK versus PRK for myopia correction.
• To evaluate visual results and patient experience in a contralateral eye study design.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 168 eyes from 84 patients undergoing SBK in one eye and PRK in the contralateral eye.
• Both eyes received customized wavefront-guided laser ablation.
• Pre- and postoperative assessments included visual acuity, corneal topography, and patient satisfaction surveys.

Main Results:

• SBK eyes showed statistically better visual results in the first three months post-surgery.
• Visual outcomes between SBK and PRK groups gradually equalized between three and six months.
• No significant clinical or statistical differences were observed between the two groups after six months.

Conclusions:

• SBK offers advantages in terms of patient experience, including reduced pain and faster visual recovery.
• Both SBK and PRK provide comparable long-term visual outcomes for myopia correction.
• The choice between SBK and PRK may depend on prioritizing early recovery versus long-term results.