Transepithelial PRK results in fast visual recovery, reduced postoperative discomfort

Shady Awwad

ABU DHABI — Transepithelial PRK with the Schwind Amaris laser leads to faster visual rehabilitation, less postoperative discomfort and no symptoms of erosion, according to a surgeon here.

"I was skeptical initially. Then I tried it and had to admit that results were in many ways better compared to traditional PRK," Shady Awwad, MD, said at an industry symposium held during the World Ophthalmology Congress.

He compared the results of two groups of 70 eyes treated with either traditional or transepithelial PRK. Patients in the transepithelial PRK group showed less discomfort in the first 3 days, epithelial healing was quick, and visual recovery was significantly faster. After 1 month, 60% of the patients were 20/20 compared with 43% in the traditional PRK group, and 83% were 20/25 compared with 66% in the traditional group.

"At 3 months results were comparable, but to me it was nice to see that patients recovered faster. Another important thing was the consistency. Most patients improved at the same time while with PRK there is a lot of interindividual variation. You have to hold so many patients by the hand and reassure them that vision will eventually get better," Dr. Awwad said.

He found that symptoms of subclinical recurrent erosion, manifesting as sharp pain mainly in the morning and requiring phototherapeutic keratectomy treatment in some cases, are rare with transepithelial PRK. Other symptoms, such as eyelids sticking to the eyeball in the morning, are also rarely found.

Disclosure: Dr. Awwad has no relevant financial disclosures.