This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Corneal wavefront correction with transepithelial PRK may be good option after cross-linking
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
VIENNA, Austria — Corneal wavefront-guided transepithelial PRK using the Schwind Amaris excimer laser is a safe and effective option for reducing coma aberration after collagen cross-linking for keratoconus, according to one surgeon.
"TransPRK holds the advantage of reduced pain and fast recovery and is a perfect solution for improving vision in these patients," Massimo Camellin, MD, said at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting here.
Because laser photoablation requires caution in thin keratoconic corneas, in his opinion surgeons should address aberrations to save tissue, while the residual refractive error can be corrected with spectacles or contact lenses. Coma, he said, is the most frequent and sight-disturbing aberration in keratoconic eyes.
Dr. Camellin used the procedure in 30 eyes. The mean age of the patients was 32 years. Transepithelial PRK was performed 4 months after cross-linking. A mean reduction in astigmatism from 3.7 D to 2.4 D was obtained. Coma aberration was reduced from 1.7µm to 0.8 µm. An improvement in uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity was obtained, with 65% of the eyes gaining more than two lines of BCVA. No haze was reported.
"The procedure is very safe in terms of corneal integrity. Apex pachymetry at the thinnest point decreased from 455 µm to 410 µm, so the actual weakening of the cornea is negligible," Dr. Camellin said.
- Disclosure: Dr. Camellin has no relevant financial disclosures.