[Experience with excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Refractive Surgery
• Corneal Ablation

Context:

• Refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, significantly impact visual acuity.
• Superficial corneal ablation techniques have a history of correcting refractive errors.
• Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) utilizes excimer lasers for precise corneal reshaping.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of photorefractive laser surgery using the Aesculap Meditec MEL 60 ArF excimer laser.
• To assess the refractive correction achieved in various groups of refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
• To determine the long-term effectiveness of PRK as an alternative to traditional vision correction methods.

Summary:

• The study involved 221 eyes from 147 patients undergoing PRK with an ArF excimer laser, with follow-up ranging from 2 to 24 months.
• Treatment groups included varying degrees of myopia (0-6.0 D, -6.5-9.0 D, >-9.5 D), hyperopia, and astigmatism.
• Significant refractive error reduction was observed across all groups, with the best results in mild to moderate myopia and astigmatism. Postoperative correction was often needed for severe myopia but was substantially less than preoperative correction.

Impact:

• PRK with the Aesculap Meditec MEL 60 ArF excimer laser demonstrates significant potential in correcting a range of refractive errors.
• The procedure offers a viable and efficient alternative to spectacles and contact lenses for many patients.
• Further research into optimizing PRK for severe myopia cases could enhance its applicability and patient outcomes.