Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy for low to moderate myopia using a 5.0 mm treatment zone and no transitional zone: 16-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) 16 years postoperatively.

SETTING: Refractive Laser Suite, Mater Private Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

DESIGN: Cohort study.

METHODS: Myopic PRK was performed using the UV200 excimer laser with a 5.0 mm ablation zone. The following were evaluated in patients returning 16 years postoperatively: refractive stability, refractive predictability, corrected visual acuity, corneal haze, and subjective patient symptoms (eg, glare, halos).

RESULTS: Most of the 120 eyes (80 patients) were followed for 2 years or more; 23 patients (39 eyes) were followed for 16 years. Preoperatively, the spherical equivalent (SE) ranged from -1.75 to -7.25 diopters (D) and astigmatism from 0.00 to 1.50 D. At 2 years, the mean SE was -0.25 D and at 16 years, -0.58 D. Overall, 31 eyes (79.5%) were within ± 1.00 D of emmetropia, with 6 eyes (15.4%) between 1.00 D and 2.00 D and 2 eyes (5.1%) between 2.00 D and 3.00 D. The final uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 27 eyes (69.2%) and 20/30 or better in 36 eyes (92.3%). Eight eyes (20.5%) lost 1 line of corrected distance visual acuity. Four eyes (10.3%) had visible haze and 7 eyes (17.9%) had hemosiderin. All patients stated they would have the procedure again.

CONCLUSION: Photorefractive keratectomy was safe and effective in the treatment of myopia up to -7.00 D, and all patients reported being satisfied. There appeared to be slight regression over the follow-up period.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.