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Time-delayed, two-step excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy to correct high myopia
1University Eye Hospital Münster, Germany.
Refractive & Corneal Surgery
|November 1, 1993
Summary
A two-step photorefractive keratectomy can correct high myopia. Using a larger ablation zone in the second step helps prevent undercorrection and regression in patients with high myopia.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Refractive Surgery
Background:
- Undercorrection is a significant complication of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia exceeding -10.00 diopters.
- High myopia presents unique challenges for achieving satisfactory refractive outcomes with PRK.
Observation:
- A 24-year-old female with amblyopia and -10.75 D myopia underwent a two-step PRK procedure.
- The first session involved a -6.50 D correction with a 5 mm ablation zone, followed 6 months later by a -4.00 D correction with a 6.5 mm ablation zone.
Findings:
- Post-second PRK, the patient's refraction stabilized at +0.75 -2.25 x 40 degrees.
- Corneal haze initially increased but returned to baseline levels within 4 months after the second procedure.
Implications:
- A staged PRK approach with a larger ablation zone in the second stage may effectively address undercorrection and regression in high myopia.
- This strategy offers a potential solution for managing complex refractive errors in patients with high myopia.
