Wavefront-optimized, topography-guided PRK yield similar visual acuity, contrast sensitivity

J Refractive Surg. 2011;27(1):13-17.

Topography-guided and wavefront-optimized surface ablation yielded similar visual outcomes in eyes with low to moderate myopia, with and without astigmatism, a study found.

"In the present study, statistically similar mean visual acuity and photopic contrast sensitivity results were found with wavefront-optimized and topography-guided ablation profiles in low to moderate myopia with or without low astigmatism," the study authors said. "However, [uncorrected distance visual acuity] was better in wavefront-optimized eyes."

The prospective randomized study included 40 eyes of 20 patients. Mean patient age was 25 years. Patients underwent topography-guided PRK in one eye and wavefront-optimized ablation in the other eye. Ablation was performed with the Allegretto Wave excimer laser (Alcon).

Visual acuity, refractive error, contrast sensitivity and corneal irregularities were measured preoperatively and 3 months and 6 months postoperatively.

Results showed that at 6 months postop, all 20 eyes that underwent wavefront-optimized treatment and 18 eyes that underwent topography-guided treatment had uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better. Both sets of eyes had statistically similar improvements in contrast sensitivity.

All eyes had similar spherical and cylindrical refractive errors.

No eyes experienced complications or lost lines of visual acuity. Two eyes in each group gained one line. Preoperative corrected distance visual acuity was maintained in all other eyes, the authors reported.