Simultaneous and sequential photorefractive keratectomy

The purpose of this study was to show the safety, effectiveness, and predictability of simultaneous bilateral as compared to sequential unilateral photorefractive keratectomy in 273 normally sighted myopic eyes. An excimer laser with a fluence of 180 mj/cm2 at a frequency of 10 Hz was used at three ablation zones (5 mm, 6 mm, and 6.5 mm). There were no significant differences between the two groups' results. Mean refraction at six months was 0.34-0.96 D in group 1 simultaneous group and 0.32-0.95 D in group 2 sequential group. At 9 months after surgery, 84% of eyes had an uncorrected visual acuity of at least 20/40. The average pain score on the first postoperative day was 2.4 for group 1 simultaneous group and 2.3 for group 2 sequential group. No serious complications occurred. Despite the short follow up, simultaneous bilateral photorefractive keratectomy appears to be an effective and safe procedure for the correction of myopia.