Changes in corneal topography after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy for myopia

Refractive Effect of Epithelial Remodelling in Myopia after Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy

(1) Introduction: We analysed epithelial changes after the treatment of moderate myopia with transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy. (2) Materials and Methods: We used optical coherence tomography data and analysed changes in the stroma and epithelium after ablation. We aimed to ascertain how much epithelium hyperplasia occurred after TransPRK; for this, we used data from 50 eyes treated with TransPRK with the AMARIS 1050 Hz, with a minimum follow-up of 4 months. (3) Results: The measured epithelial changes corresponded to a less than 0.1 ± 0.2D of spherical effect, less than 0.2 ± 0.2D of astigmatic effect, and less than 0.5 ± 0.2D of comatic effect. (4) Conclusions: The changes in epithelial thickness after aberration-neutral transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy for moderate myopia were very small, indicating a low level of epithelial hyperplasia without resembling a regression-inducing lentoid.

The Effect of Treatment Zone Decentration on Myopic Progression during Or-thokeratology

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between magnitude of orthokeratology (OrthoK) treatment zone decentration and 2-year axial length (AL) elongation in myopic children.Methods: One-hundred and one Chinese children who wore OrthoK contact lenses for 2 years. The magnitude and direction of the OrthoK treatment zone center from the entrance pupil center were recorded after 3 and 24 months of lens wear along with AL measurement. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess which factors significantly affected an increase in AL.Results: After 3 and 24 months of OrthoK treatment, the mean (± standard deviation [SD]) magnitude of the OrthoK treatment zone decentration was 0.64 ± 0.38 mm and 0.68 ± 0.32 mm, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two time points (P > .05). After 2 years of OrthoK contact lenses wear, the mean (± SD) AL growth was 0.36 ± 0.34 mm. The axial elongation was slightly correlated with baseline age of subjects (r = -0.073, P < .001), baseline spherical equivalent refractive error (r = -0.088, P < .001) and magnitude decentration of treatment zone (r = -0.190, P = .027).Conclusions: The decentration of OrthoK treatment zone stabilizes after 3 months of lens wear and slightly decreases AL growth.

Repeatability and Reproducibility of Quantitative Corneal Shape Analysis after Orthokeratology Treatment Using Image-Pro Plus Software

Purpose. To evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of quantitative analysis of the morphological corneal changes after orthokeratology treatment using “Image-Pro Plus 6.0” software (IPP). Methods. Three sets of measurements were obtained: two sets by examiner 1 with 5 days apart and one set by examiner 2 on the same day. Parameters of the eccentric distance, eccentric angle, area, and roundness of the corneal treatment zone were measured using IPP. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and repetitive coefficient (COR) were used to calculate the repeatability and reproducibility of these three sets of measurements. Results. ICC analysis suggested “excellent” reliability of more than 0.885 for all variables, and COR values were less than 10% for all variables within the same examiner. ICC analysis suggested “excellent” reliability for all variables of more than 0.90, and COR values were less than 10% for all variables between different examiners. All extreme values of the eccentric distance and area of the treatment zone pointed to the same material number in three sets of measurements. Conclusions. IPP could be used to acquire the exact data of the characteristic morphological corneal changes after orthokeratology treatment with good repeatability and reproducibility. This trial is registered with trial registration number: ChiCTR-IPR-14005505.

Visual stability of laser vision correction in an astronaut on a Soyuz mission to the International Space Station

This report documents the effects of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in an astronaut during a 12-day Russian Soyuz mission to the International Space Station in 2008. Changing environmental conditions of launch, microgravity exposure, and reentry create an extremely dynamic ocular environment. Although many normal eyes have repeatedly been subject to such stresses, the effect on an eye with a relatively thin cornea as a result of PRK has not been reported. This report suggests that PRK is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated procedure in astronauts during space flight.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

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

Accommodative changes after photorefractive keratectomy in myopic eyes

PURPOSE

To determine the changes of amplitude of accommodation (AA) and facility of accommodation (FA) in myopic patients after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

METHODS

Using Technolas 217Z excimer laser, 160 myopic eyes of 80 patients underwent PRK. The patients were categorized into two age groups: <30 and ≥30 years. Changes in AA and FA were observed before PRK and at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after PRK. The role of preoperative AA, FA, refractive spherical equivalent, age, and sex on postoperative AA and FA was evaluated.

RESULTS

In younger patients, the preoperative AA and FA values 7.77 ± 1.75 D and 7.75 ± 3.97 cpm changed to 8.36 ± 1.26 D and 11.57 ± 4.20 cpm (p < 0.001), respectively, at 3 months after PRK. In older patients, the preoperative AA and FA values 6.66 ± 1.41 D and 5.05 ± 3.26 cpm changed to 6.72 ± 1.26 D (p = 1.000) and 9.58 ± 4.29 cpm (p < 0.001), respectively. Two weeks after surgery, preoperative AA and spherical equivalent had a significant effect on postoperative AA, whereas preoperative AA and age had a significant effect on postoperative AA after 3 months (p < 0.001). Postoperative FA was positively related to preoperative FA and female sex (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that some of the near-vision problems in younger myopes in early postoperative days after PRK might be due to decrease in AA and FA, which will eventually increase. However, in older patients, despite increase in FA, AA did not change.

Corneal morphological changes after myopic excimer laser refractive surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate the changes in central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal volume (CV) in eyes that have undergone myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

METHODS

CCT and CV obtained with an Oculus Pentacam before 1, 3, and 6 months after PRK were analyzed in 84 eyes with a mean preoperative refraction of -4.93 ± 2.23 diopter. The changes were compared with the amount of refractive treatment. The differences were evaluated with the Student t test and the correlations with the Pearson index.

RESULTS

One month after PRK, CCT and CV mean differences were 73.2 ± 31.5 μm (P < 0.001) and 2.2 ± 1.7 mm (P < 0.001), respectively. Three months after PRK, CCT and CV mean differences were 66.6 ± 26.7 μm (P < 0.001) and 1.4 ± 1.3 mm (P < 0.001), respectively. Six months after PRK, CCT and CV mean differences were 65.3 ± 25.7 μm (P < 0.001) and 1.4 ± 1.3 mm (P < 0.001), respectively. The effective treatment at each follow-up point was correlated with CCT changes (R = 0.62, 0.71, and 0.73, respectively), but not with CV changes (R = 0.04, 0.04, and 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the hypothesis that after myopic PRK, when a series of corneal lamellae are severed centrally, the remaining peripheral segments relax. The squeezing force on the matrix is reduced, and the distance between the lamellae expands.

Analysis of optimized profiles for 'aberration-free' refractive surgery

PURPOSE

To provide a model of an aberration-free profile and to clinically evaluate the impact of treatments based upon these theoretical profiles in the post-operative cornea.

METHODS

Aberration-free profiles were deduced from the Zernike expansion of the difference between two corneal cartesian-ovals. Compensation for the focus-shift effects of removing corneal tissue were incorporated by preserving the location of the optical focus of the anterior corneal surface. Simulation of the surgical performance of the profile was performed by means of simulated ray-tracing through a cornea described by its anterior surface and pachymetry. Clinical evaluation was retrospectively analysed in terms of visual outcomes, corneal wavefront aberration and asphericity changes at 3-month follow-up compared to the baseline on 100 eyes treated for compound myopic astigmatism.

RESULTS

The proposed 'aberration-free' profiles theoretically preserve aberrations, becoming more oblate asphericity after myopic treatments, and more prolate after hyperopic ones. In the clinical evaluation, 94% of eyes were within +/-0.50 D of emmetropia. BSCVA improved significantly (p < 0.001). Induced corneal aberrations at 6-mm were below clinically relevant levels: 0.123 +/- 0.129 microm for HO-RMS (p < 0.001), 0.065 +/- 0.128 microm for spherical aberration (p < 0.001) and 0.058 +/- 0.128 microm for coma (p < 0.01), whereas the rate of induced aberrations per achieved D of correction were -0.042, -0.031, and -0.030 microm D(-1) for HO-RMS, SphAb, and coma (all p < 0.001). Induction of positive asphericity correlated to achieved correction (p < 0.001) at a rate 3x theoretical prediction.

CONCLUSIONS

'Aberration-free' patterns for refractive surgery as defined here together with consideration of other sources of aberrations such as blending zones, eye-tracking, and corneal biomechanics yielded results comparable to those of customisation approaches. Having close-to-ideal profiles should improve clinical outcomes decreasing the need for nomograms, and diminishing induced aberrations after surgery.

Influence of induced decentered orthokeratology lens on ocular higher-order wavefront aberrations and contrast sensitivity function

PURPOSE

To quantitatively evaluate the effect of overnight orthokeratology lenses intentionally left decentered after 3 months of wear and assess the influence on clinical outcomes such as ocular higher-order wavefront aberrations and contrast sensitivity function.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Tsukuba University Hospital, Ibaraki, Japan.

METHODS

This prospective study assessed refraction, visual acuity, corneal topography, wavefront aberration, and contrast sensitivity function before and 3 months after overnight orthokeratology treatment. Decentration of the treatment zone from the center of the entrance pupil was determined using computerized videokeratography (TMS-4) and data-analysis software (MatLab). The relationship between decentration and the clinical parameters was analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 23 patients (46 eyes) was 24.2 years+/-3.3 (SD) and the mean spherical equivalent refraction before treatment, -2.38+/-0.98 diopters. The mean magnitude of decentration (0.85+/-0.51 mm) was statistically significantly correlated with the amount of myopic correction (P<.05), increases in coma-like aberration (P<.01), increases in spherical-like aberration (P<.01), and reductions in contrast sensitivity function (P<.0001). Changes in contrast sensitivity function were also statistically significantly correlated with the amount of myopic correction (P<.05), changes in coma-like aberration (P<.01), and changes in spherical-like aberration (P<.01). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the magnitude of decentration was the only explanatory variable related to contrast sensitivity function (P<.0001).

CONCLUSION

Decentered treatment of orthokeratology resulted in decreased contrast sensitivity after treatment, showing that centration of the procedure is crucial to good outcomes.

Evidence for Delayed Presbyopia after Photorefractive Keratectomy for Myopia

PURPOSE

To evaluate uncorrected near visual acuity (NVA), accommodation, corneal aberrations, and the optical quality of the retinal image in presbyopic eyes after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

DESIGN

Nonrandomized comparative retrospective study.

PARTICIPANTS

Ten post-PRK patients and 10 normal patients.

METHODS

Twenty eyes (10 right and 10 left after PRK for myopia, minimum of 10 years after the operation; group A) were compared with 20 eyes (10 right and 10 left age- and gender-matched normal controls; group B). All subjects were over 40 years of age.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

With best distance correction, NVA was measured at 40 cm (Jaeger, J series), and the range of accommodation (diopters [D]) was measured subjectively (negative relative amplitude and positive relative amplitude). The modulation transfer function (MTF) and corneal aberrations such as comalike, spherical (SAs), and higher order (HOAs) were measured with a Hartmann-Shack aberrometer. From the MTF curves, the spatial frequencies corresponding to contrast values of 0.1 and 0.5 were noted.

RESULTS

Mean ages (+/- standard deviations [SDs]) were 46.3 years (4.7) for group A and 47.6 years (4.9) for group B (P>0.05). Near acuity was J1 or better in 12 of 20 post-PRK and 4 of 20 control eyes. Mean accommodations (+/- SDs) were 3.2 D (1.14) for right group A eyes and 2.1 D (0.94) for right group B eyes (P = 0.0152), and 3.4 D (0.99) for left A eyes and 2.3 D (1.02) for left B eyes (P = 0.0168). Total HOA indexes (+/- SDs) were 1.449 (0.409) for right group A eyes and 0.824 (0.241) for right group B eyes (P = 0.008), and 1.464 (0.388) for left A eyes and 1.067 (0.542) for left B eyes (P = 0.0752). Pooling the data from post-PRK and control eyes, a significant correlation was found between near acuity and SA (right eyes, r = -0.535, P = 0.015; left eyes, r = -0.493, P = 0.027). Significant associations were found between accommodation, near acuity, HOA, and comalike aberration for right eyes only. Mean spatial frequencies (+/- SDs) corresponding to contrast values of 0.1 for right and left eyes were 14.96 (5.71) for right group A eyes and 22.02 (6.85) for right group B eyes (P = 0.074), and 15.11 (7.80) for left A eyes and 21.41 (9.00) for left B eyes (P = 0.271). Mean spatial frequencies (+/- SDs) corresponding to contrast values of 0.5 for right and left eyes were 2.86 (0.63) for right group A eyes and 3.21 (0.35) for right group B eyes (P = 0.596), and 2.76 (0.98) for left A eyes and 3.22 (0.27) for left B eyes (P = 0.194).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with normal eyes, in previously myopic eyes treated with first-generation PRK lasers there is a tendency for (1) the optical quality of the retinal image to be reduced at low contrast, (2) the aberrations attributed to the corneal surface to increase, and (3) both measured subjective accommodation and near acuity to be greater than expected. We postulate that the corneal aberrations induced by PRK for myopia may reduce the quality of the retinal image for distance but enhance near acuity by way of a multifocal effect that can delay the onset of age-related near vision symptoms.

Response of the Cornea for up to Four Years After Photorefractive Keratectomy for Myopia

PURPOSE

To analyze the long-term corneal topographic changes 4 years after myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

METHODS

This study comprised 15 patients (30 eyes) who had PRK surgery with a scanning-spot excimer laser (Chiron Technolas 217C; Bausch & Lomb, Dornach, Germany) and were followed up to 4 years after surgery. The eyes were subdivided into three groups according to the preoperative spherical equivalent refraction. Corneal topographic maps were obtained for all eyes with a Placido disc topographer. Preoperative and follow-up topographical data were imported into a custom software program, which computed the average composite corneal maps and difference maps for each study group to quantify the anterior corneal changes following laser ablation. The software delineated three concentric zones of the corneal surface to characterize the regional corneal remodeling following the surgery.

RESULTS

A significant central corneal steepening (approximately 0.25 D, P < .001) was calculated between the 1- and 4-year postoperative maps in all study groups. A significant steepening (P < .001) of the corneal periphery was also noted for the lower myopic ablations whereas a peripheral flattening (P < .001) was observed for the deeper ablations between 1 and 4 years after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The anterior corneal surface was observed to remodel for up to 4 years after surface ablation, steepening a mean of approximately 0.25 D.

Dynamic corneal imaging

PURPOSE

To determine the clinical practicability of in vivo dynamic corneal imaging (DCI) to assess the individual elastic properties of normal human eyes, eyes with abnormal findings, and eyes after refractive surgery.

SETTING

University Eye Clinic, Paracelsus Private Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.

METHODS

The DCI method uses sagittal, stepwise, central indentation of the cornea with electronically controlled microprecision motors and sequential registration of videotopography images. The indentation steps are preselected and range from 50 to 800 mum. The computerized analysis of the videotopography images captured during the process uses Zernike polynomials to establish a newly defined flexing curve for normal eyes and eyes with abnormal findings.

RESULTS

Dynamic corneal imaging was done in 187 eyes of 103 patients who had clinically healthy corneas, distinct keratoconus, or previous refractive surgery. The method rapidly evaluated artificially and reversibly induced changes in corneal topography in a clinical setting using a modified Placido disk-based computer-assisted videokeratography system with a small cone. In early analysis, the flexing curve showed a significant correlation with the applied indentation depth. Factors influencing the shape of the curve were central corneal thickness, intraocular pressure, and patient age. The DCI method also allowed easy examination of keratoconic corneas and corneas after refractive surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Dynamic corneal imaging induced a reproducible and reversible change in corneal topography corresponding to the different indentation depths. The results indicate that several clinical parameters are correlated with corneal elastic behavior in vivo and that the technology could increase the predictability of refractive corneal surgery and help in the early diagnosis of corneal diseases and with newly developed therapies.

Correlation of Changes in Refraction and Corneal Topography After Photorefractive Keratectomy

PURPOSE

To establish which corneal power evaluation measured with corneal topography correlates best with refractive changes after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia.

METHODS

Two hundred fifty-one consecutive eyes of 171 patients who had PRK for myopia ranging from -14.80 to -0.50 D (mean -5.43 +/- 2.978 D), calculated at the corneal plane, were included in the analysis. Data included preoperative and postoperative (1, 3, and 6-mo) subjective refraction and videokeratography with a Keratron Scout (Optikon 2000). Statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between the change in subjective refraction at the corneal plane and changes in six corneal power measurements: best fit sphere, simulated keratometry (Sim K), corneal apex, and center of the pupil (last two evaluated for axial and meridional curvatures).

RESULTS

The closest correlation between subjective refraction change and corneal power measurement during the three follow-up evaluations was found with Sim K (R2 = 0.904; 0.889; 0.854) and best fit sphere (R2 = 0.919; 0.909; 0.872), whereas the other measurements showed poor correlation with the different curvatures.

CONCLUSIONS

The best fit sphere corneal topography parameter correlated best with the refractive changes, primarily for low treatment amounts, whereas it showed a clear-cut underestimation in eyes that had undergone high dioptric treatments.

Aberration-sensing and Wavefront-guided Laser in situ Keratomileusis: Management of Decentered Ablation

PURPOSE

To clarify the feasibility of aberration-sensing and wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) to manage grossly decentered ablation and to discuss the limitations of the technology.

METHODS

Three patients with previous decentrations of the ablation zone between 1.5 to 2.0 mm were scheduled for wavefront-guided LASIK. All patients reported monocular diplopia and halos. Wavefront aberrations were measured with a Tscherning-type aberrometer. Laser ablation was done with a WaveLight Allegretto in a one-step procedure with ablation profiles calculated only from the individual wavefront map. Decentrations were determined from corneal topography.

RESULTS

Three months after surgery, patient WM and patient SU had gained uncorrected and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. The root mean square-wavefront error decreased up to 61% and 33%, respectively, for total and higher order aberrations (Zernike modes of 3rd order and higher). There was significant enlargement of the optical zone determined by corneal topography, and both patients no longer reported diplopia and halos at 3 months postoperatively. The optical aberration of the third patient (RE), after a 5.00-D overcorrection with a 2-mm decentration, was too high for aberration-sensing; retinal images obtained from the wavefront device were too smeared and not of sufficient contrast. In addition, this patient had a residual corneal thickness of 416 microm and thus wavefront-guided LASIK was not done.

CONCLUSIONS

Wavefront-guided LASIK offers a new way of managing grossly decentered laser ablations. Unfortunately, there are still patients who have aberrations too large for wavefront sensing or with other clinical limitations such as a residual corneal thickness too thin for further treatment.

Changes in Mesopic Vision After Photorefractive Keratectomy for Myopia

PURPOSE

To evaluate the mesopic functions of excimer laser treated eyes with different treatment diameters and different laser beam delivery systems.

METHODS

In Group 1, 38 eyes were treated with the Aesculap Meditec MEL 60 ArF scanning laser beam excimer laser. The treatment diameter was 5.0 mm. In Group 2, 38 eyes were treated with the Aesculap Meditec MEL 70(G-Scan) flying spot excimer laser; the chosen treatment diameter was 6.5 mm. In Group 3, there were 38 eyes with no treatment; vision was corrected only with spectacles (control group). All eyes had 20/20 best spectacle-corrected visual acuity before surgery, as did the control group. Measurements were carried out preoperatively and at 12 months following surgery. All eyes exhibited normal corneal wound healing, and subepithelial haze was <0.5 according to Hanna's scale. Mesopic functions (mesopic vision and glare sensitivity) were tested with the Mesoptometer II.

RESULTS

The average preoperative refractive error in Group 1 was -3.40 D; in Group 2, -3.38 D; in Group 3, -3.44 D. In Group 1, 34% of the treated eyes met the night driving requirements (recognition at 1:5 contrast level), whereas in Group 2, 85%, and in Group 3, 95% of the eyes fulfilled this criteria. When contrast vision was tested under glare conditions in Group 1, 31.6%; in Group 2, 80%; and in Group 3, 94.7% of the eyes identified the target orientation (Landolt ring) at contrast level 1:5.

CONCLUSIONS

The unoperated spectacle wearers had better results in all tested functions. The larger 6.5-mm treatment diameter with the use of the flying spot laser beam delivery system resulted in better mesopic function and contrast vision under mesopic conditions than the smaller 5.0-mm diameter.

Topographic analysis of corneal regularity after penetrating keratoplasty

PURPOSE

To evaluate the accuracy of the Holladay Diagnostic Summary of the EyeSys Corneal Analysis System in predicting the corneal visual acuity potential in patients who have undergone penetrating keratoplasty (PKP).

METHODS

Astigmatism patterns, refractive and topographic astigmatism, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and hard contact lens (HCL) visual acuity of 54 patients were analyzed 3 months after PKP and compared with the Potential Corneal Acuity (PCA) value predicted by the Holladay Diagnostic Summary.

RESULTS

Qualitative patterns of astigmatism (p = 0.01) and refractive (p = 0.002) and topographic (p = 0.0002) astigmatism were significantly correlated with PCA values. Using HCL visual acuities to correct the BSCVA (HCL-corrected BSCVA) for noncorneal causes of reduced vision, we found that the PCA values of 48.1% of the patients were within one line of the HCL-corrected BSCVA; 81.5% were within two lines; and 93.0% were within three lines.

CONCLUSION

The Holladay PCA measurement may be useful in the postoperative evaluation of the optical quality of the central corneal surface in patients who have undergone PKP.

Tracker-assisted Versus Manual Ablation Zone Centration in Laser in situ Keratomileusis for Myopia and Astigmatism

PURPOSE

Eye tracker systems have been developed concomitantly with small scanning beams to theoretically reduce ablation zone decentration and for accurate registration of all the laser pulses on the cornea. The purpose of the study was to compare the tracker-assisted with the manual centration method.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients (48 eyes) with myopia and/or astigmatism had laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) between August 1998 and February 1999 with the Technolas 117C laser. Twenty patients (38 eyes, 80%) were available for follow-up at 3 months after surgery. Eyes were assigned randomly to one of two ablation zone centration methods: Group 1: Tracker-assisted (20 eyes), Group 2: Manual (18 eyes).

RESULTS

Mean distance between the ablation zone center and the pupillary center in the tracker-assisted centration group was 0.55 +/- 0.30 mm (range, 0.10 to 1.4 mm), and in the manual centration group, 0.43 +/- 0.23 mm (range, 0.10 to 1.0 mm) (P = .177). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative contrast sensitivity, glare, and Topographical Corneal Surface Regularity Index (SRI) between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We obtained good results with both centration methods. We did not find superiority of the tracker-assisted over manual regarding ablation zone centration, vision quality, or regularity of the ablation.

Image Quality and Visual Performance in the Peripheral Visual Field Following Photorefractive Keratectomy

PURPOSE

A theoretical and experimental study was performed to assess the possible effects of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) on retinal image quality and thresholds in the peripheral visual field.

METHODS

Simple optical calculations suggest that although the quality of the retinal image at the fovea of the postoperative PRK eye may be comparable to that in an emmetropic eye, images in the peripheral field may be markedly worse, since peripheral ray bundles may pass partly through ablated and partly through unablated cornea, giving a simultaneous-vision bifocal effect. This would be expected to create an annular zone of confusion, so that light from two different directions in object space arrives at the same point on the retina. The position of this zone and its width are a function of the ablation zone geometry, the attempted correction, and the pupil diameter, but the major effects typically occur at field angles between about 40 degrees and 60 degrees. To explore this effect, Goldmann static quantitative perimetry was carried out along the 0 degree to 180 degrees meridian in six patients who had undergone myopic PRK and eight emmetropes.

RESULTS

The results showed that thresholds for the PRK group at field angles from 40 degrees to 60 degrees were significantly higher than those of the emmetropic group (P < .01). These findings arise because the retinal images in the peripheral field of originally myopic, postoperative PRK patients are, in general, significantly degraded in comparison with those of emmetropes.

CONCLUSION

Although under photopic conditions, retinal image quality close to the visual axis in patients who have been corrected by PRK is similar to that in emmetropes, it may be markedly worse in the peripheral visual field.

Late natural history of corneal topography after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE

To investigate the 3 month to 1 year natural history of corneal topography after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

DESIGN

A prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized comparative study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 75 eyes of 68 patients with myopia were studied.

INTERVENTION

Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy and computer-assisted videokeratography were performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Preoperative and 3, 6, and 12 month postoperative topography patterns were compared and changes assessed by averaging defined sectors of the ablation zone in individual maps to produce composite "average" topography maps.

RESULTS

Corneal topography was relatively smooth 3 months after PRK. By 12 months, the corneal contour in general had become even more uniform. No "central island" effect was observed. When looking at right and left eyes independently, there was a tendency toward maximum flattening nasally.

CONCLUSIONS

Corneal topography in general continues to smooth from 3 to 12 months after PRK, possibly as a result of epithelial and stromal healing and remodeling. Right and left eyes on average show mirror-image, spatially oriented topography patterns.

Immunohistochemical Study of Subepithelial Haze After Phototherapeutic Keratectomy

PURPOSE

Subepithelial haze is a frequent complication and is often the cause of regression after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). The lack of understanding of this undesirable complication following PRK is in part due to the limited availability of suitable tissues for pathological studies.

METHODS

We examined the expression of various extracellular components in the cornea of a 46-year-old man who underwent phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) to remove a central corneal scar secondary to trauma. The patient subsequently underwent penetrating keratoplasty. A scar-free region containing an area of slight subepithelial haze adjacent to normal cornea was used for immunohistochemical staining with antibodies directed against cytoskeletal proteins, ie, vimentin, desmin and smooth muscle actin, and the extracellular components, laminin, heparan sulfate, keratan sulfate, and collagen types III, IV, V, and VII.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry revealed that basal epithelial cells expressed components of basement membrane. The stromal fibroblasts within the haze tissue were labeled by anti-smooth muscle actin antibodies, a characteristic of myofibroblasts, which synthesized and secreted extracellular matrix components that contributed to the formation of the disorganized collagenous matrix and may account for subepithelial haze.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression patterns for the cytoskeletal proteins and extracellular components indicated that the formation of subepithelial haze is a process of tissue remodeling, involving both corneal basal epithelial cells and keratocytes during wound repair.

Correlation Between Refractive and Corneal Topographic Changes After Photorefractive Keratectomy for Myopia

PURPOSE

To compare videokeratographic and refractive data obtained before and after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia.

METHODS

Seventy-four eyes underwent PRK for myopia ranging from -2.50 to -17.00 D (mean, -7.76 +/- 3.17 D). All patients had videokeratography with the EyeSys instrument before, and 1 and 6 months after PRK, and the changes in three corneal power measurements (center of the ablation, apex, and effective refractive power) were compared with refractive changes.

RESULTS

Changes obtained in the three corneal power measurements at 1 and 6 months were well correlated with manifest refraction (Pearson's coefficient ranged from 0.71 to 0.84).

CONCLUSION

Power measurements obtained with corneal topography, as described above, are a reliable and objective method for the evaluation and follow-up of PRK, provided addition of an approximate 25% correcting factor.

Phototherapeutic keratectomy for decentration and central islands after photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE

To determine visual outcomes after treatment of decentration and central islands occurring after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

DESIGN

Retrospective, noncomparative case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (n = 14) who exhibited decentration or central islands after PRK and photoastigmatic keratectomy (PARK).

METHODS

Fourteen eyes with post-PRK decentration (group I) or central islands (group II) were treated by transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy guided by epithelial fluorescence without modulating agents, and subsequently were treated with PRK or PARK. Mean follow-up time was 9 months (range, 45 days-21 months).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We analyzed pre- and postoperative keratometry, refractive errors, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity, and haze. In group I, we also measured pre- and postoperative decentration; in group II, we compared pre- and postoperative central island power.

RESULTS

Group I showed improvement in centration (P = 0.003). Group II showed decreased central island power (P = 0.18). -LogMAR UCVA improved from 0.59 (20/80(+1)) to 0.17 (20/30) (P = 0.03) and from 0.74 (20/100(-1)) to 0.21 (20/30(-1)) (P = 0.01) after retreatment of groups I and II, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Retreatment of patients having decentration and central islands after PRK results in improved visual outcomes.

Natural history of central islands after laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE

To assess the incidence and natural history of central islands following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and evaluate the association of central island characteristics with visual acuity.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, China Medical College Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.

METHODS

A consecutive series of 406 eyes of 212 patients who had LASIK was retrospectively evaluated. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was measured and corneal topography performed preoperatively and 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) was evaluated preoperatively and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The topographic images obtained at 1 week demonstrated central islands in 23 eyes of 20 patients (5.7%). No new cases of central island formation were identified after 1 week. Of the 23 eyes with central islands, the 6 month post-LASIK maps were available in 20 eyes of 18 patients. There was a significant difference in the size and power of the central islands between 1 week and 6 months. However, the power and size decreased slowly. Within 6 months, only 5 of 20 central islands (25.0%) had resolved. Eight eyes were undercorrected, and 1 eye lost 2 lines of BSCVA. Central islands larger than 1.8 mm or 3.0 diopters (D) were significantly correlated with lower UCVA.

CONCLUSION

Most central islands that occur with LASIK persist more than 6 months. Large central islands (>/=1.8 mm or >/=3.0 D) are risk factors for lower UCVA. Preventive measures are necessary.

Prediction of letter contrast sensitivity using videokeratographic indices

PURPOSE

To analyze the relationship between corneal topography and letter contrast sensitivity.

METHOD

Experiments were conducted on 59 eyes of 51 patients who had best spectacle-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better and no ocular pathology except for the corneal shape. Thirty-nine eyes had an abnormal topographic pattern resulting from keratoconus, and the other 20 eyes showed a normal topographic pattern. Videokeratography was performed with the TMS-2 videokeratoscope, and the surface regularity index, surface asymmetry index, and coefficient of variation of power were obtained for each subject. Letter contrast sensitivity was measured with the CSV-1000LV with spectacle correction. The correlation between the number of correct letters and topographic indices was calculated.

RESULTS

The abnormal topography group had a significantly greater loss of letter contrast sensitivity (median = 20 letters) than the normal control (median = 23 letters; P =.0001). There were statistically significant correlations between number of correct letters and the coefficient of variation of power (r = -.77; P =. 001), number of correct letters and surface regularity index (r = -. 76, P =.001), and the number of correct letters and surface asymmetry index (r = -.64; P =.001). The linear regression equation between number of correct letters and the coefficient of variation of power was the number of correct letters = -0.05 x the coefficient of variation of power + 23.2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that subtle visual deteriorations, which are barely detected by contrast sensitivity testing, can be predicted objectively by the corneal topographic indices.

A Model to Explain the Difference Between Changes in Refraction and Central Ocular Surface Power After Laser in situ Keratomileusis

PURPOSE

After refractive surgery, changes in central ocular surface power are usually less than actual changes in refraction. The aim of this paper was to examine the theoretical changes in the radius of the epithelial-stromal interface and corneal stromal refractive index which could take place to account for some of the empirical findings.

METHODS

The parameters of an aspheric human eye model featuring gradient index optics was modified using data from a clinical study evaluating effects of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for correction of moderate to high myopia. Computations were performed to determine: 1) theoretical postoperative radius of the epithelial-stromal interface and hence distribution of epithelial thickness, and 2) refractive index of the stroma when the epithelium was of fixed uniform thickness.

RESULTS

Within the central 2-mm diameter refractive zone of the cornea after LASIK for myopia, either of two factors could account for the difference between changes in central ocular surface power and the actual change in ocular refraction: 1) a steepening of the epithelial-stromal interface resulting from a 400% centrifugal increase in epithelial thickness, or 2) a reduction in stromal refractive index from an average of 1.376 to 1.364.

CONCLUSION

The difference between the observed changes in refraction and central ocular surface power could be explained by reduction in stromal refractive index and this could be secondary to a 6.5% increase in water content of the stroma during the postoperative period. The epithelial-stromal interface after LASIK is unlikely to steepen by the extent predicted by our model. This surface is not the source of the difference between the change in refraction and change in central ocular surface power.

Clinical analysis of central islands after laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE

To analyze the incidence and clinical characteristics of central islands after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and to elucidate factors associated with their formation.

SETTING

Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

METHODS

Laser in situ keratomileusis was performed in 103 eyes of 61 patients with myopia ranging from -4.0 to -13.5 diopters (D) using the Hansatome (Chiron) and SVS Apex Plus (version 3.2.1) excimer laser (Summit Technology) in which the anti-central-island program was implemented. After 1 week, corneal topography (Orbscan, Orbtek) was done and manifest refraction and visual acuity were measured.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, the mean uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were 0.12 and 0.06 (logMAR scale), respectively, and the mean refractive error (spherical equivalent) was 0.07 D +/- 0.76 (SD). On topographic examination, a central island was defined as an area of higher refractive power of more than 1.5 D and 2.5 mm or more in diameter. Budding or isolated central islands were observed in 12 eyes of 12 patients (11.7%). The peak, height, and area of the islands were 41.5 +/- 3.1 D, 5.6 +/- 1. 9 D, and 3.5 +/- 1.1 mm(2), respectively. In the eyes with central islands, there were statistically significant differences in the postoperative change in UCVA and BCVA (P <.05). There was no significant correlation between the occurrence of a central island and preoperative refractive error, corneal thickness, age, or in sex and correction of astigmatism (P >.05).

CONCLUSION

Despite use of the anti-central-island pretreatment program, the occurrence of central islands after LASIK was significant, as in photorefractive keratectomy. Further studies of the effect of central islands on surgical results and clinical progress and measures to prevent the occurrence are needed.

Comparison of topographic indices that correlate with visual acuity in videokeratography

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationship between the best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and two quantitative indices of the anterior corneal surface obtained by videokeratography.

DESIGN

Prospective, single center, comparative, observational study.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighty-nine normal eyes and 52 eyes with keratoconus with contact lens-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better.

INTERVENTION

Videokeratography was performed with the TMS-2 and the CAS system 2000.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The relationship between the BSCVA recorded in log minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) units, the surface regularity index (SRI), and the predicted corneal acuity (PCA) were assessed by linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

The BSCVAs for all eyes ranged from 0.82 to -0.30 logMAR units. BSCVA was highly correlated with the SRI (r = 0.70, P < 0.0001) and the PCA (r = -0.61, P < 0.0001). There was no statistical difference in the regression slopes and the intercepts for the estimated BSCVA using the SRI and measured BSCVA, and the estimated BSCVA using PCA and measured BSCVA.

CONCLUSIONS

Two quantitative topographic indices, SRI and PCA, are useful for estimating the effect of irregular astigmatism on visual acuity even though both indices quantify different aspects of the anterior surface of the cornea.

Role of the Corneal Epithelium in Refractive Changes Following Laser in situ Keratomileusis for High Myopia

PURPOSE

Epithelial hyperplasia is one of the factors that plays a role in myopic regression after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). We evaluated the role of the epithelium following excimer laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) performed on highly myopic eyes.

METHODS

Fifty eyes of 32 patients (18 females and 14 males; mean age, 31.7+/-6.5 years) were treated with LASIK for myopia with an attempted correction ranging between -8.50 and -12.25 D (mean, -10.48+/-1.43 D). No sutures were placed. The thickness of the central epithelium was evaluated either with a 50-MHz ultrasonic pachymeter or an ultrasound biomicroscope. Postoperatively, topical corticosteroid drops were administered for at least 1 month.

RESULTS

Follow-up was at least 12 months. Epithelium measurements were thicker compared to preoperative measurements from the first week postoperatively (mean, +1.9 microm, +2.77%; P<.05). Epithelial thickness peaked at the third month after LASIK (mean, +6.5 microm, +9.5%; P<.05) and remained stable through 12 months. A negative correlation between epithelium thickness and manifest refraction from the first month postoperatively to the end of follow-up was present.

CONCLUSION

The epithelium seemed to have a role in the regression of refractive effect after LASIK to correct high myopia.

One-year results of PRK in low and moderate myopia: fewer than 0.5% of eyes lose two or more lines of vision

PURPOSE

To retrospectively evaluate the results of myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for different levels of intended correction, including analysis of loss of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity.

METHODS

Four hundred seventy-five consecutive eyes with 1 year of follow-up that had PRK for the correction of 1-7 diopters (D) of myopia by using the Summit SVS Apex excimer laser. Three hundred forty-eight eyes were examined at 1 year. This study was confined to the 236 eyes with 1 year of follow-up that had PRK without astigmatic keratotomy. Eyes also were analyzed according to the range of attempted correction (0-3 D, low; 3.1-6D, moderate; and > or =6.1 D, high moderate). Manifest refraction, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), surface regularity index (SRI), and surface asymmetry index (SAI) were evaluated for each group.

RESULTS

One year after PRK, 91% of all eyes were within 1 diopter and 73% of eyes were within 0.5 diopter of emmetropia. Uncorrected visual acuity was 20/25 or better in 79% and 20/40 or better in 96% of eyes. Two lines of BSCVA were lost in only 0.4% of eyes (one of 236). No eye lost >2 lines of BSCVA, and 30% gained one line. Mean SRI and SAI were increased as compared with preoperative values, but were within the normal range for our patient population (ranges, 0.2-1.0 and 0.1-0.7, respectively). UCVA, BSCVA, and predictability decreased, whereas SAI and SRI increased, with increasing attempted correction.

CONCLUSION

PRK effectively reduced myopia in all eyes with 12 months' follow-up. Predictability tended to decrease with increasing attempted correction, even for low to moderate myopia. PRK may induce mild surface asymmetry and irregularity, and these alterations tend to increase with higher attempted correction. Fewer than 0.5% of eyes lost > or =2 lines of best-corrected visual acuity.

Intraocular lens calculations status after corneal refractive surgery

With the increasing number of keratorefractive surgical procedures, an increasing number of cataract surgeries in eyes after keratorefractive surgery is anticipated within a few decades. Although cataract extraction seems to be feasible without major technical obstacles, intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation turned out to be problematic. Insertion of the measured average K-readings (= "central corneal power" = keratometric diopters) after myopic radial keratotomy (RK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), or laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) into standard IOL power-predictive formulas commonly results in substantial undercorrection and postoperative hyperopic refraction or anisometropia. In this article, the major reasons for IOL power miscalculations (which are different for RK versus RRK/LASIK) are discussed based on model calculations and based on case series of cataract surgeries, methods for improved assessment of keratometric diopters as the major underlying problem are exemplary illustrated, and finally a clinical step-by-step approach to minimize IOL power miscalculations status after corneal refractive surgery is suggested. The "clinical history method" (i.e., subtraction of the spherical equivalent [SEQ] change after refractive surgery from the original K-reading) should be applied whenever refraction and K-reading before the keratorefractive procedure are available to cataract surgeons. In addition, more than one modern third-generation formula (e.g., Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 2, or SRK/T) but not a regression formula (e.g., SRK I or SRK II) should be applied and the highest resulting IOL power should be used for the implant.

Comparison of changes in manifest refraction and corneal power after photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE

To determine which corneal curvature values most closely correlate to change in manifest refraction after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy.

METHODS

In a prospective study at the Cullen Eye Institute, excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy was performed on 27 eyes of 27 patients (mean age, 38.07+/-6.65 years). Preoperative refractive errors ranged from -2.25 diopters to -8.75 diopters (mean, -5.74+/-2.09 diopters). Preoperatively and 1 month postoperatively, we determined the spherical equivalent of the subjective manifest refraction (corrected for a 12-mm vertex distance) and measured corneal power using standard keratometry (Bausch & Lomb Keratometer; Rochester, New York) and computerized videokeratography (EyeSys Corneal Analysis System; Premier Laser Systems Inc, Houston, Texas). We collected 15 corneal values: standard keratometry and 14 computerized videokeratography values calculated using the axial, instantaneous, and refractive formulas. All calculations were performed with 1.3375 and 1.376 for the refractive index of the cornea. For each of the corneal values, we subtracted the change in corneal power from the change in manifest refraction and calculated for this difference the means, SDs, correlations, and regressions.

RESULTS

Mean differences between change in refraction and change in corneal power were lower when for a refractive index of 1.376 than for 1.3375, were lowest for the most central measurement points, and displayed a high SD. A value of 1.408 for the refractive index would be required to optimize the correlation between change in manifest refraction and effective refractive power of the central 3 mm of the cornea.

CONCLUSIONS

For individual patients who have undergone photorefractive keratectomy, changes in corneal values determined by computerized videokeratography or by standard keratometry do not reliably predict change in manifest refraction.

Videokeratographic changes after laser in situ keratomileusis to correct high myopia

PURPOSE

To evaluate the videokeratographic changes and patterns after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in high myopia using computerized videokeratography.

SETTING

San Salvatore Hospital, Chair of Ophthalmology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.

METHODS

Forty-one eyes of 26 patients treated with no-suture nasal-hinged flap LASIK for an attempted mean spherical equivalent correction of -13.9 diopters (D) +/- 4.1 (SD) (range -8.0 to -22.0 D) were evaluated. Mean patient age was 35.2 +/- 9.8 years. Mean follow-up was 15.1 +/- 6.7 months (range 6 to 26 months).

RESULTS

Thirty-five eyes (85.4%) were within +/- 2.0 D of the planned correction, with a refractive error greater than 3.0 D in the 7.3% of eyes. Mean central corneal power decreased from 43.2 +/- 1.8 D (range 38.70 to 47.40 D) to 35.8 +/- 3.8 D (range 30.3 to 42.6 D). Mean preoperative corneal astigmatism decreased from 1.2 +/- 0.9 D (range 0.2 to 4.2 D) to 0.9 +/- 0.9 D (range 0.2 to 3.3 D). Videokeratographic qualitative analysis showed corneal shape changes within 15 days after surgery. Corneal patterns then stabilized, and 37 eyes (90.3%) had no significant modifications in corneal refractive power after 1 month.

CONCLUSION

After LASIK in highly myopic eyes, videokeratographic maps showed corneal power stabilized within 1 month in most eyes and there was no irregular astigmatism if the treatment was well centered.

Photorefractive keratectomy for hyperopia: long-term nonlinear and vector analysis of refractive outcome

PURPOSE

To characterize the refractive changes after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy for the correction of hyperopia over a follow-up up to 3 years and to assess refractive stability and changes in astigmatism.

DESIGN

Noncomparative, nonrandomized, retrospective, interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-eight hyperopic eyes of 28 patients (age range, 33-62 years) with refraction in the range +1.00 to +8.00 diopters (D). Mean attempted correction was +3.33+/-0.98 D (range, +1.00 to +4.00 D). Data were compared to those from 216 eyes treated for myopia in the range -1.00 to -12.70 D.

INTERVENTION

The hyperopic correction was made using an erodible mask inserted in the laser optical pathway to produce a circular ablation measuring 6.5 mm in diameter. An axicon was then used to create a blend transition zone from 6.5 mm up to 9.4 mm in diameter. Eyes were evaluated 3 to 11 times (5.5+/-2.4) over a 3- to 34-month follow-up (16.8+/-8.4 months).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Vector analysis of refractive error, applying a nonlinear statistical model fitting the spherical equivalent, and the sphere component data. The fit parameters were the long-term error at stabilization (epsilon(infinity)), the amount of regression (epsilon0), being the difference of refractive errors immediately after surgery and at stabilization, and the time constant (T1/2) giving the temporal scale length by which the overcorrection halves (regression half-life). Cylinder was analyzed by a linear regression.

RESULTS

The initial overcorrection was much larger after hyperopic treatments than myopic ones (epsilon0 = -3.26+/-0.35 D vs. +1.43+/-0.35 D), and it takes typically four times longer to regress (T1/2 = 3.30+/-0.91 months). Refractive stabilization is reached after more than 1 year, with a satisfactory refractive result. The hyperopic treatment induces a mean astigmatism of 1.00 D, which remains constant throughout the follow-up, and tends to be aligned along the with-the-rule meridian.

CONCLUSIONS

The advantages of a reasonably well-designed algorithm to correct hyperopia (epsilon(infinity) = +0.20+/-0.23 D) are counterbalanced by the long time to refractive stabilization and by the induced astigmatism.

Cooling effect on excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of cooling on pain, corneal haze, and refractive outcome after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

SETTING

Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.

METHODS

The corneal surface was cooled before, during, and after laser ablation using a method called cooling PRK. Thirty-eighty highly myopic eyes of 38 patients whose spherical errors ranged from -8.00 to -18.75 diopters (D) were randomized into 2 groups: 16 eyes with conventional PRK and 22 eyes with cooling PRK. Postoperative pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Refraction, visual acuity, and complications were followed for up to 2 years. All data were analyzed and compared between groups to evaluate the cooling effect on PRK.

RESULTS

One day postoperatively, patients in the cooling PRK group had significantly less pain (P < .01). At 3 months, the haze score in the cooling PRK group was significantly less than in the conventional PRK group (P < .01). The residual refractive error was not significantly different between the 2 groups until 2 years, when it was greater in the conventional PRK (mean -5.09 D +/- 2.11 [SD]) than the cooling PRK group (-4.64 +/- 2.27 D). Ten eyes (62.5%) in the conventional PRK group and 15 eyes (68.2%) in the cooling PRK group were within +/- 1.00 D of the intended refraction. There were no serious complications in the cooling PRK group. Two eyes in the conventional PRK group had severe corneal haze and lost 2 Snellen lines of best corrected visual acuity.

CONCLUSION

Corneal cooling on PRK effectively reduced postoperative pain, corneal haze, and myopic regression.

Corneal topography of small-beam tracking excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the topographic characteristic of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for low myopia performed with a small-beam (0.9 mm) tracking excimer laser.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, LSU Eye Center, Louisiana State University Medical Center School of Medicine in New Orleans, and the Refractive Surgery Center of the South at the Eye, Ear, Nose, & Throat Hospital, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

METHODS

Sixty-seven eyes of 47 patients had PRK with a small-beam tracking laser. Of these, 49 eyes had data permitting evaluation of ablation centration; usable data for topographic analysis were available for 59 eyes preoperatively, 54 eyes at 1 month, 42 eyes at 3 months, and 25 eyes at 6 months, permitting measurement of various topographic parameters, including the cylinder (CYL), average corneal power (ACP), surface regularity index (SRI), surface asymmetry index (SAI), corneal eccentricity index (CEI), and coefficient of variation of corneal power (CVP).

RESULTS

Preoperatively, all eyes were topographically normal. Postoperatively, no eye exhibited a "central island" by even the least-restrictive definition, and all eyes had best spectacle-corrected visual acuities (BSCVAs) of 20/20 or better at all follow-ups. Mean decentration of the ablations from the pupil centers was 0.42 mm +/- 0.28 (SD) (n = 49). There was no correlation between measured decentration and BSCVA (P = .46). The central cornea was flattened (decreased ACP; P < .001) and made oblate (decreased CEI; P < .001) as expected. There was no increase in SRI or SAI (irregular astigmatism) at 6 months compared with preoperative values (P = .91); however, CYL and CVP (varifocality) increased slightly (P = .04 and .02, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The absence of significant regular or irregular astigmatism 6 months after PRK with the small-beam laser is an improvement over published results achieved with wide-beam lasers and is consistent with the excellent visual acuity results in this cohort.

Significance of corneal topography in predicting patient complaints after photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of postoperative corneal topography to predict potential patient complaints after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

SETTING

Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA.

METHODS

Postoperative tangential corneal topographic maps, in 0.5 and 1.0 diopter (D) relative scales, were obtained from patients (n = 34) at least 4 months after PRK. Topographies of complaining (n = 18) and noncomplaining patients (n = 16) were analyzed by 6 masked examiners with 2 different experience levels in PRK (experts, n = 2; beginners, n = 4), who assigned the topographies to 1 of the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Topographies of complainers (sensitivity) and noncomplainers (specificity) were correctly classified in 53.2% overall and in 44.0% and 63.5% (P = .06) in complainers and noncomplainers, respectively. Experienced examiners were not significantly more accurate than inexperienced examiners (46.3% and 56.6%, respectively; P = .09). Images of 1.0 D scales received significantly more correct responses than those of 0.5 D scales (56.4% and 50.0% respectively; P = .03). The reproducibility between images for the same patient in both scales was significantly better for the experienced examiners than the inexperienced examiners (kappa coefficient 0.73 and 0.51, respectively; P = .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Subjective analysis of postoperative corneal topography alone is not sufficient to predict potential patient complaints after PRK. Topographic findings should be interpreted only in the context of a complete clinical examination.

Binocular function and patient satisfaction after monovision induced by myopic photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE

To measure binocular function and patient satisfaction with monovision induced by photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in myopic presbyopic patients.

SETTING

Refractive Department, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

METHODS

This study comprised 21 myopic presbyopic patients with monovision induced by PRK. Sixteen emmetropic patients who had PRK served as a control group. Monovision was induced by undercorrecting the nondominant eye by 1.25 diopters for near vision and correcting the dominant eye with emmetropia for distance vision. Monocular and binocular uncorrected Snellen visual acuities at 20 feet and 13 inches, manifest refraction, ocular dominance, stereopsis at 20 feet and 13 inches, monocular and binocular contrast sensitivities, Worth-4-Dot test at 20 feet and 1/3 of a meter, and fusional convergence amplitudes were examined in each patient.

RESULTS

In the monovision group at near and distance, 20 patients (95.3%) had binocular visual acuity of 20/25 or better. No patient in the monovision group used reading glasses postoperatively; 4 of 16 patients (25.0%) in the control group used such glasses. All patients maintained binocular fusion and stereo acuity ranging from 40 to 800 seconds of arc. Mean patient satisfaction was 86% (range 40% to 100%). In the control group, 12 patients (75.0%) had binocular distance visual acuity of 20/25 or better and 11 (68.8%) had binocular near visual acuity of 20/25 or better.

CONCLUSION

Monovision PRK patients had better near vision than control PRK patients, with minimal compromise in stereo acuity and overall high patient satisfaction.

Epithelial removal with the excimer laser (laser-scrape) in photorefractive keratectomy retreatment

OBJECTIVES

To retrospectively evaluate refractive and topographic outcomes after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) retreatment using the laser-scrape technique for epithelial removal.

DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty eyes of patients who had PRK retreatment for undercorrection after primary PRK were examined.

INTERVENTION

The PRK retreatment was performed using a laser-scrape technique in which the excimer laser was used to remove the majority of the epithelium overlying the anterior stromal surface before additional PRK ablation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), surface regularity index (SRI), and surface asymmetry index were measured.

RESULTS

Primary PRK was performed for myopia of -5.1 +/- 1.7 diopters (range, -1.1 to -7.5 diopters). Mean spherical equivalent (SE) was -1.3 +/- 0.4 diopters (range, -0.6 to -2.0 diopters) before retreatment. Mean SE 6 months after retreatment decreased to +0.1 +/- 0.4 diopter (range, +1.25 to -0.75 diopters; P < 0.0001). Four eyes (15%) were more than +0.5 diopter overcorrected at 6 months. Ninety-six percent of eyes achieved mean SE within +/- 1 diopter and 77% within +/- 0.5 diopter of emmetropia after retreatment. Visual acuity improved significantly 6 months after reablation (P < 0.0001) with 100% 20/40 or better and 73% 20/25 or better without correction. Final BCVA also improved compared with before retreatment (P = 0.02). Twelve eyes gained 1 line of BCVA and no eye lost more than 1 line of BCVA. The SRI before retreatment was 0.6 +/- 0.3 (range, 0.0-0.9) and remained the same 0.6 +/- 0.2 (range, 0.1-1.0; P = 0.8), 6 months after retreatment.

CONCLUSION

Excimer laser PRK retreatment using the laser-scrape technique for epithelial removal is an accurate and safe procedure for treating undercorrection of eyes after PRK for low-to-moderate myopia.

Natural history of corneal topography after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE

To investigate the natural history of corneal topography after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

DESIGN

A prospective, single center clinical study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 40 eyes of 34 patients with myopia were studied.

INTERVENTION

Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy and computer-assisted videokeratography were performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Preoperative, 1 week, and 1, 2, and 3 months postoperative topography patterns were compared and changes assessed by averaging defined sectors of the ablation zone in individual maps to produce composite "average" topography maps.

RESULTS

Corneal topography was generally not homogeneous at 1 week after PRK. By 3 months, there had been considerable smoothing of corneal contour. A general "central island" effect early in the postoperative period flattened over time. When right and left eyes were evaluated independently, a tendency toward a keyhole-semicircular pattern was seen on average; the maximum flattening was nasal and the least flattening was inferotemporal for both right and left eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

A tendency, on average, toward central island and keyhole-semicircular patterns is seen early in the postoperative course after PRK. Central islands tend to evolve into the keyhole-semicircular pattern, and the corneal topography in general after PRK tends to smooth considerably with time.

Surgical correction of moderate myopia: which method should you choose? I. Radial keratotomy will always have a place

This set of "Viewpoints" articles examines the relative merits of radial keratotomy (RK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), and laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Drs. Rowsey and Morley review advances in RK techniques, long-term results, and complications, and explain why RK will remain a viable method for correction of moderate myopia, notably its minimal cost. Drs. Steinert and Bafna review both PRK and LASIK, discussing techniques and results and comparing their advantages and disadvantages with each other and with RK. Dr. Dutton, as "Viewpoints" section editor, summarizes clinical, technologic, and economic aspects of all three techniques, concluding that all will find a place among refractive surgeons for some time to come.