Corneal endothelial changes after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Laser Vision Correction

Background:

• Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a common refractive surgery.
• Understanding its long-term effects on corneal health is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate corneal endothelial cell changes following PRK.
• To assess the safety of PRK concerning corneal endothelium.

Main Methods:

• Specular microscopy was used to examine the central corneal endothelium.
• 26 eyes of 20 patients undergoing PRK for myopia were studied.
• Corneal endothelial cell density and cell area variation were measured preoperatively, and at 1 month and 1 year postoperatively.

Main Results:

• Mean corneal endothelial cell density remained stable: 3,221/mm² preoperatively, 3,233/mm² at 1 month, and 3,177/mm² at 1 year.
• Coefficients of variation for mean cell area also showed no significant changes (0.24 preoperatively, 0.23 at 1 month, 0.22 at 1 year).
• No statistically significant differences were observed in cell density or variation at any time point.

Conclusions:

• PRK does not appear to cause significant, lasting damage to the corneal endothelium.
• Corneal endothelial cell density is well-maintained after PRK for myopia correction.
• The findings support the safety profile of PRK regarding corneal endothelial health.