Evaluation of efficacy and safety of Trans PRK for the treatment of low to moderate myopia with astigmatism

Abstract

Background: Transepithelial Photorefractive keratectomy (Trans PRK) is most commonly indicated in eyes which cannot undergo LASIK procedure due to inadequate corneal thickness (estimated residual stromal thickness beneath the flap after the ablation would have been less than 250 µm). Here no corneal flap is created and both epithelium and stroma are ablated in single procedure, decreasing overall treatment time and minimizing risk of corneal dehydration. Aim of this study is to evaluate efficacy and safety of Trans PRK for the treatment of low to moderate myopia with astigmatism, using the Alcon Ex 500 excimer laser. Methodology: This retrospective cohort study included myopic eyes (-1.0 to -6.0 D of myopia with -1.0D to -4.0D astigmatism). TransPRK was performed using Alcon Ex 500 excimer laser. Refractive results, predictability, safety, and efficacy were evaluated during the 3-month follow-up. Results: A total of 100 eyes of 50 consecutive subjects were studied. Mean UDVA was found to be 0.11 log mar post op 1 month and 3 months. At the end of 3 months 88eyes had grade 0 haze and only 12 eyes had 0.5 grade haze. No eye lost any number of preoperative CDVA in our study. Conclusion: Advanced surface ablation nomogram (TransPRK) for the treatment of mild to moderate myopia with astigmatism in eyes with thinner corneas, not suitable for LASIK procedure, was found to be safe, predictable and effective.

Keywords

• trans prk
• myopia
• astigmatism