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PRK corrects myopia with high predictability up to 19 years postoperatively
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Eyes with low myopia had better refractive stability than eyes with high myopia up to 19 years after PRK, according to a study.
The retrospective study included 160 eyes that were treated with PRK for myopia between 1992 and 1998. Ablation was performed at the 5-mm to 6.5-mm optical zones with the Summit broad-beam excimer laser (Summit Technology). Eyes that were re-treated were not included.
Mean age at the time of surgery was 26.1 years. Mean follow-up was 16.7 years (range: 14 years to 19 years).
Uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 97% of eyes at 3 months, 96% at 6 months and 79% at final follow-up (P < .001).
Uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 45% of patients with low myopia and 22% of those with high myopia at final follow-up; the between-group difference was statistically significant (P = .020).
Refraction was within 1 D of the target in 72% of eyes with low myopia and 47% of eyes with high myopia.
Residual refractive error was mainly attributed to myopic progression.
Eighty-one percent of patients were satisfied with surgical outcomes, the authors said.
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