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Classification of variable clinical response after photorefractive keratectomy for myopia
D S Durrie1, M P Lesher, T B Cavanaugh
1Eye Associates of New Mexico and Southern Colorado, Albuquerque 87109, USA.
Journal of Refractive Surgery (Thorofare, N.J. : 1995)
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) shows varied healing responses. Early detection of abnormal healing after PRK is possible by correlating refractive error with corneal haze.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Refractive Surgery
Background:
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) using excimer laser can result in variable healing responses.
- Understanding these variations is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the different healing responses observed after excimer laser PRK for myopia.
- To correlate refractive outcomes with the degree of subepithelial corneal haze.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 116 eyes undergoing PRK for myopia.
- Evaluation of achieved versus attempted correction at 6 months post-surgery.
- Comparison of subepithelial corneal haze with refractive results.
Main Results:
- Three distinct healing patterns were identified: normal (84.5%), inadequate (11.2%), and aggressive (4.3%) responders.
- Normal and inadequate responders typically showed hyperopic overcorrection initially, with regression.
- Aggressive responders exhibited early overcorrection with rapid regression towards myopia; these also had more pronounced haze.
Conclusions:
- Subepithelial healing responses after excimer laser PRK exhibit significant variation.
- Abnormal healing patterns post-PRK can be identified early by correlating refractive error with subepithelial haze levels.