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Three multizone photorefractive keratectomy algorithms for myopia. The Melbourne Excimer Laser Group
N A Alpins1, H R Taylor, D G Kent
1Melbourne Excimer Laser Group, Australia.
Journal of Refractive Surgery (Thorofare, N.J. : 1995)
|November 14, 1997
Summary
The Alpins multizone algorithm demonstrated superior visual acuity and refractive outcomes for myopia correction compared to other excimer laser techniques. This advanced method effectively reduces myopia and improves vision in patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Laser Surgery
- Refractive Error Correction
Background:
- Multizone photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and photoastigmatic keratectomy (PAK) are surgical options for myopia and myopic astigmatism.
- Different excimer laser algorithms exist, varying in ablation zone distribution and astigmatism treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of three distinct excimer laser algorithms for multizone PRK and PAK.
- To determine which algorithm yields the best visual and refractive outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Three algorithms (Melbourne, Pop, Alpins) were used with the VISX 20/20 excimer laser to treat myopia and myopic astigmatism.
- Algorithms differed in the number of ablation zones, treatment distribution, and astigmatism correction.
- 585 patients (780 eyes) were treated, with 625 eyes followed for over 6 months.
Main Results:
- No significant baseline differences were observed among the groups.
- The Alpins multizone algorithm resulted in a higher percentage of eyes within +/- 1.00 D and +/- 2.00 D of emmetropia at 6 months (p=0.01 and p<0.01, respectively).
- Significantly more eyes achieved uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better with the Alpins algorithm (p<0.01).
Conclusions:
- All three excimer laser algorithms effectively reduced myopia.
- The Alpins multizone algorithm, which distributes treatment equally across more ablation zones, provided significantly better visual acuity and refractive results at 6 months.