Mitomycin C in photorefractive keratectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of primary or retreatment photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) with mitomycin C (MMC) 0.02% applied prophylactically intraoperatively for the prevention of haze and regression in cases of significant haze and regression after primary PRK, due to previous radial keratotomy (RK), in primary PRK eyes with high myopia, and in comeas with a previous superficial foreign body scar.

METHODS: This was a retrospective evaluation of 34 eyes treated with PRK or PTK and intraoperative MMC. Mitomycin C was applied immediately after laser ablation. Postoperative examinations were conducted 3 and 7 days after surgery and monthly for 6 months. Haze was graded on a standard 0+ (clear cornea) to 4+ (total opacity) scale. Visual acuity was measured as a general baseline indicator.

RESULTS: Postoperatively, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 20/20 or better in 21 eyes and 20/25 in 5 eyes with best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) of 20/20 or better. Three eyes achieved UCVA of 20/30 with BSCVA of 20/20 or better; and 5 eyes had UCVA of 20/40 with BSCVA of 20/20 or better. Nineteen (56%) eyes had grade 0+ haze and 15 (44%) eyes had grade 0.5+ haze (trace haze) at 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: Mitomycin C 0.02% used prophylactically during PRK or PTK retreatment was effective in preventing significant recurrent haze from developing. In eyes with high myopia or previous RK or scarring, MMC was effective in preventing significant haze formation.