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Excimer photorefractive keratectomy after undercorrected radial keratotomy
M L Kwitko1, J A Gow, F Bellavance
1Department of Ophthalmology, St. Mary's Hospital Center, Sir Mortimer Davis, J.G. Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Summary
Radial keratotomy (RK) for myopia can now be refined with excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). This advanced PRK treatment effectively reduces residual refractive error in patients previously undercorrected after multiple RK procedures.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Refractive Surgery
- Corneal Surgery
Background:
- Radial keratotomy (RK) has been a surgical option for myopia correction since 1979.
- Previously, undercorrected myopia after RK often required repeat procedures.
- Limited options existed for managing residual refractive error after multiple RK surgeries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for treating undercorrected myopia after repeated radial keratotomy.
- To assess the safety and visual outcomes of PRK in this specific patient population.
Main Methods:
- Nineteen eyes of 17 patients with undercorrected myopia post-RK underwent excimer laser PRK.
- Pre- and post-operative refractive error (spherical equivalent) was measured.
- Visual acuity was assessed post-procedure.
Main Results:
- The mean residual refractive error after RK was -2.74 +/- 1.06 diopters.
- PRK successfully reduced this residual myopia.
- Final uncorrected visual acuity ranged from 20/20 to 20/70.
Conclusions:
- Excimer laser PRK provides a safe and controlled method for correcting residual myopia after radial keratotomy.
- PRK is a viable treatment option for patients undercorrected after multiple RK procedures.