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[Refractive laser surgery of the cornea]
1Abteilung A, Universitäts-Augenklinik, Wien.
Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Refractive corneal laser surgery, including photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), shows high success for myopia up to -6 dpt. Higher corrections and hyperopia present challenges with current laser techniques.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Technology
Context:
- Refractive corneal laser surgery has seen increasing application since the Excimer laser's introduction in 1990.
- Approximately 350,000 eyes were treated worldwide by the end of 1996.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the success rates and complication profiles of different refractive corneal laser surgery techniques.
- To assess the efficacy of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia and hyperopia correction.
Summary:
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) demonstrates over 93% success for myopia up to -6 diopters (dpt), with success dropping to 30% for higher corrections.
- Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) offers better outcomes for myopia over -7 dpt compared to PRK, though with a higher complication rate for corrections up to -6 dpt.
- Both PRK and LASIK exhibit low success rates for hyperopia correction, suggesting it as a relative contraindication.
Impact:
- The findings highlight the limitations of current laser refractive surgery for high myopia and hyperopia.
- Complication rates, including scarring, are directly correlated with the magnitude of correction, particularly with PRK.
- LASIK emerges as a preferred option for higher myopia, while hyperopia correction remains a challenge for laser-based procedures.