Visual performance after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy for high myopia

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Refractive Surgery

Background:

• High myopia presents significant visual challenges.
• Traditional treatments for high myopia have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy and safety of excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for correcting myopia exceeding -8 diopters.
• To evaluate the predictability and visual performance of PRK in high myopia cases.

Main Methods:

• Surface ablation using the Allegretto Wave excimer laser was performed on 54 patients (104 eyes) with myopia between -8D and -13D.
• Postoperative evaluations included visual acuity, refraction, corneal haze, topography, intraocular pressure, contrast sensitivity, and wavefront aberrations over 12 months.

Main Results:

• 95% of eyes achieved correction within 1D of target at 12 months.
• 94% of eyes had uncorrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better.
• Corneal haze was minimal and transient; 95% reported no or mild night glare.

Conclusions:

• Excimer laser PRK is a safe and effective treatment for high myopia (>-8D) with or without astigmatism (up to -4D).
• The procedure demonstrates high predictability and a low complication rate.
• PRK is a viable alternative to laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), particularly for patients with thinner corneas or higher flap-related risks.