Effect of mitomycin C on the corneal endothelial cells of Saudi patients with myopia after transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy:a two-armed cohort study

AIM:To study the effect of mitomycin C(MMC)applied during transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy(TPRK)on the corneal endothelium one week(W1)and three months(M3)after surgery and its determinants.METHODS:In this two-armed cohort study conducted in 2022,eyes treated with MMC during TPRK(group 1)were compared with eyes not treated with MMC(group 2).The corneal endothelial cell(EC)count,EC density(ECD;cells/mm2),average(μm2),standard deviation(μm2),coefficient of variation(CV%),ECmax,ECmin,and EC percentage of hexagonality were estimated at W1 and M3.The postoperative changes in the EC count in the two groups were compared and correlated with the other independent variables.RESULTS:Group 1 had 26 eyes,and group 2 had 78 eyes.All TPRK indices were significantly higher for the eyes in group 1 than for those in group 2.The MMC usage was not a significant predictor of the change in ECD(P=0.644),change in CV(P=0.374),and change in the percentage of hexagonality of EC(P=0.164)at W1.However,the use of MMC was a significant predictor of changes in CV(P=0.014)and the change in the percentage of hexagonality of EC(P=0.039)at M3.The duration of laser exposure and the size of the optical zone influenced the correlation of MMC use with the changes in EC indices,postoperatively.CONCLUSION:The use of MMC doesn’t affect ECD,CV,and percentage of hexagonality at W1 if other surgical indices are considered.At M3 after operating myopic eyes by TPRK,MMC significantly influence the CV and percentage of hexagonality.The duration of the laser application and the size of the optical zone should be considered when determining the effect of MMC on the EC indices.

LASEK和TransPRK及FS-LASIK术后角膜屈光力及视觉质量比较

目的:比较准分子激光上皮下角膜磨镶术(LASEK)、经上皮准分子激光角膜切削术(TransPRK)、飞秒激光制瓣的准分子激光原位角膜磨镶术(FS-LASIK)三种角膜屈光手术术后角膜屈光力及视觉质量。方法:回顾性研究。选取2021-01/2022-12在我院择期行角膜屈光手术的232例464眼患者作为研究对象,根据患者选择手术方式不同分为LASEK组70例140眼、TransPRK组76例152眼、FS-LASIK组86例172眼。比较三组患者术前,术后1、3 mo时裸眼视力(UCVA)、视觉质量、生物力学稳定性、泪膜破裂时间(BUT)、泪液分泌试验(SⅠt)及生活质量变化情况。结果:术后1、3 mo三组患者裸眼视力较术前均改善,全角膜总高阶像差、球差、水平彗差、垂直彗差均升高,生物学稳定性均降低(均P<0.05)。术后3 mo, TransPRK组、LASEK组生物学稳定性均高于FS-LASIK组(均P<0.05),TransPRK组生活质量评分较LASEK组及FS-LASIK组高(P<0.05)。手术前后三组患者BUT、SⅠt比较均无差异(均P>0.05)。结论:LASEK、TransPRK、FS-LASIK三种角膜屈光手术治疗屈光不正疗效确切,在改善裸眼视力和提高视觉质量方面结果相似,但TransPRK、LASEK较FS-LASIK具有更稳定的生物力学性能,且TransPRK组在改善患者生活质量方面具有更好的效果。

A 3-month comparison study of subjective and objective visual quality of small incision lenticule extraction and transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy in patients with low and moderate myopia

AIM:To compare the subjective and objective visual quality between small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)and transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy(t PRK)in patients with low and moderate myopia.METHODS:Patients undertaking SMILE or t PRK for the correction of low and moderate myopia were consecutively recruited in this prospective cohort study with a 3-month follow-up period.Objective evaluation[visual acuity test,manifest refraction,wavefront aberrations,the total cut-off value of the total modulation transfer function(MTFcut-off),and Strehl ratio(SR)]and subjective evaluation of visual quality(quality-of-life questionnaire)were conducted before surgery and at days 1,7,30,and 90 after surgery.RESULTS:A total of 47 patients(94 eyes)with SMILE and 22 patients(22 eyes)with t PRK were enrolled.The uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA)was better in SMILE patients on day 7 after surgery(1.13±0.13 vs 0.99±0.17,t=4.85,P<0.001)but was comparable at days 30 and 90.At day 90,the SMILE group had a lower spherical equivalent(SE)than the t PRK group(0.04±0.31 vs 0.19±0.43,t=2.08,P=0.042).Total higher order aberrations(HOAs)were induced in both surgical types,which were more evident in the t PRK group with 3-mm pupil diameter(0.16±0.07 vs0.11±0.05,t=4.27,P<0.001)and 5-mm pupil diameter(0.39±0.17 vs 0.36±0.11,t=2.33,P=0.022).The MTFcut-offand SR showed a trend of improvement in both SMILE and t PRK patients but were statistically better in the SMILE group with both pupil diameters.There was a significant improvement of contrast sensitivity(CS)over baseline levels at the spatial frequency of 18 cycles/degree(c/d)in the SMILE group(F=2.72,P=0.033)and at 3 c/d(F=3.03,P=0.031),12 c/d(F=3.72,P=0.013),and 18 c/d(F=4.62,P=0.004)in the t PRK group.The subjective quality of life questionnaire showed a steady improvement in the SMILE group(F=8.31,P<0.001)but not the t PRK group.CONCLUSION:SMILE and t PRK are both safe and effective ways to correct low and moderate myopia.A generally better and quicker recovery of visual quality favors the application of SMILE in qualified patients.

SPT辅助的TPRK术后角膜上皮厚度和光密度的变化及两者的相关性

目的:观察智能脉冲技术(SPT)辅助的经上皮准分子激光角膜切削术(TPRK)术后角膜上皮厚度(CET)和光密度(CD)变化,并分析两者的相关性。方法:前瞻性研究。选取2023-02/08在新乡医学院第一附属医院眼科行SPT-TPRK手术治疗的近视及近视散光患者60例120眼,评估术前、术后1 wk,1、3 mo CET与CD的变化。结果:纳入患者失访14例28眼,术后出现haze 3例6眼,均剔除本研究,最终纳入患者43例86眼。术后1 wk,CET高于术前(P<0.05),角膜中央0-2 mm区域CET明显增厚(P<0.05);术后1 mo,角膜中央0-2 mm区域CET明显变薄(P<0.05);术后3 mo,角膜中央0-2 mm区域CET基本达术前水平。术后CD值升高,术后3 mo,0-2 mm区域CET与0-2 mm区域全层CD值呈正相关(r=0.256,P<0.05),2-5 mm区域CET与2-6 mm区域前层CD值呈正相关(r=0.319,P<0.05)。结论:角膜中央2 mm以内区域角膜上皮重塑需要3 mo时间;CET较薄的区域,术后角膜上皮重塑更快,术后早期增厚更多;术后早期CD值较术前均增加,且部分区域CET与CD值呈正相关。

Transpalpebral intraocular pressure measurement by Diaton compared to Goldman applanation tonometer in myopic eyes before and after transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy in Saudi Arabia

AIM:To compare intraocular pressure(IOP)measured via the trans palpebral IOP(tp IOP)method using a Diaton or with a Goldman applanation tonometer(GAT)and study the determinants of IOP difference in eyes undergoing transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy(TPRK)for myopia.METHODS:This cross-sectional validation study was held in 2020 in an eye hospital in Saudi Arabia.IOP was measured by Diaton and GAT before treatment,after one week,and one month of TPRK.It is considered if IOP difference by Diaton and GAT was less than±2 mm Hg acceptable.The IOP difference was tested if correlated to spherical equivalent(SE),central corneal thickness(CCT),age,gender,or tp IOP.RESULTS:Totolly 200 myopic eyes of 100 patients were included in the study.The mean difference of IOP measured by two methods before TPRK,1wk,and 1mo after TPRK were 0.790,-0.790,and-0.920 mm Hg,respectively(P<0.001).Diaton could measure IOP effectively 89.5%eyes before TPRK and 82%and 84%at 1wk and 1mo after TPTK,respectively.At week 1,IOP differences were significantly correlated to baseline CCT(P=0.02)and tp IOP at week 1(P<0.001).One month after TPRK,only tp IOP was significantly correlated to the difference in IOP(P<0.001).CONCLUSION:Diaton is a good screening tool for IOP before TPRK.It helps in monitoring IOP after surgery.Although more practical,it is less efficient than GAT.In eyes with high myopia and low tp IOP before surgery,IOP post-TPRK by Diaton and GAT could differ.

Trans-PRK联合预防性快速CXL矫正薄角膜或角膜形态欠规则屈光不正的疗效及安全性

目的评估经上皮准分子激光屈光性角膜切削术(Trans-PRK)联合预防性快速角膜交联术(CXL)矫正薄角膜或角膜形态欠规则(除外圆锥角膜)屈光不正的疗效及安全性。方法采用系列病例观察研究方法,纳入2017年8月至2018年7月于包头朝聚眼科医院诊断为薄角膜或角膜形态欠规则并行Trans-PRK联合预防性CXL手术的近视患者55例55眼,所有患者均取右眼数据进行分析。术前、术后1周及术后1、3、6、12个月采用国际标准视力表检测术眼裸眼远视力(UDVA);采用电脑验光和综合验光检测屈光度。术前及术后3、6、12个月采用Pentacam眼前节分析仪检查角膜形态;术前及术后1、3、6、12个月采用非接触式眼压计测量眼压。记录术后并发症发生情况。结果术前、术后1周及术后1、3、6和12个月术眼UDVA(LogMAR视力)分别为0.52(0.55,0.78)、0.22(0.12,0.17)、0.10(0.04,0.07)、0.00(-0.04,-0.16)、-0.08(-0.05,-0.03)、-0.08(-0.06,-0.04),总体比较差异有统计学意义(Z=249.44,P<0.001),其中术后各时间点UDVA均较术前提高,术后3、6和12个月术眼UDVA较术后1周和1个月明显改善,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.001)。术眼术后各时间点球镜度较术前均明显下降,术后1、3、6和12个月术眼球镜度低于术后1周,术后12个月术眼球镜度低于术后3和6个月,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.001)。术后1、3、6和12个月术眼柱镜度低于术前和术后1周,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。术眼术后等效球镜度随时间延长逐渐下降,趋于正视状态;术后各时间点术眼等效球镜度低于术前,术后1、3、6和12个月术眼等效球镜度低于术后1周,术后12个月低于术后3和6个月,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.001)。术后3、6及12个月术眼角膜K1值、K2值均明显低于术前,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.001),术后3个月角膜K1值、K2值趋于稳定。术后3、6、12个月术眼眼压均显著低于术前,术后6和12个月术眼眼压低于术后1和3个月,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.001)。术后1周1眼出现0.5级角膜上皮下雾状混浊,于术后1个月角膜自行恢复透明。结论Trans-PRK联合预防性快速CXL手术矫治合并薄角膜或角膜形态欠规则的(除外圆锥角膜)屈光不正眼具有良好的有效性、稳定性及安全性。

Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy mode using SCHWIND-ESIRIS excimer laser:initial clinical results

AIM: To evaluate postoperative pain, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), and cornea haze value after transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (T-PRK) performed with aspherical ablation profile using SCHWIND ESIRIS excimer laser. METHODS: Retrospective case series. Fifty-nine eyes (32 patients) with myopia associated with or without astigmatism underwent phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) followed by photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) which performed by Optimized Refractive Keratecomy (ORK)-CAM software based on aspherical ablation profile using SCHWIND ESIRIS excimer laser. Postoperative pain scale was measured on a questionnaire through five levels. Haze was graded by five grades, and UCVA, manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean pain level was (1.37 +/- 0.613) (range: 1 to 3), the mean time picking out the soft contact lens was (6.22 +/- 1.73) days, at 3 months, UCVA was 1.0 for 40 eyes (67.8%), 0.5 for all eyes (100.0%). The UCVA was significantly less than the preoperative best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) (t=-2.84, P=0.006), haze value was (0.27 +/- 0.25), no patients had a haze grade up to 2. Mean MRSE was (0.76 +/- 0.96) diopter(D) by 3 months. CONCLUSION: The outcomes from this study show that using the SCHWIND ESIRIS aspherical ablation profile for transepithelial PRK has a good visual result. The primary advantage is related to a spherical ablation profile, automatically considers the ablation volume of the stroma and the accurate and smooth removal of the epithelium with PTK. Additional studies are needed to determine long-term outcomes.

Risk factors of regression and undercorrection in photorefractive keratectomy: a case-control study

AIM: To determine risk factors of regression and undercorrection following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in myopia or myopic astigmatism. METHODS: A case -control study was designed in which eyes with an indication for re-treatment (AT) were defined as cases; primary criteria for RT indication, as assessed at least 9mo postoperatively, included an uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 20/30 or worse and a stable refraction for more than 3mo. Additional considerations included optical quality symptoms and significant higher order aberrations (HOAs). Controls were chosen from the same cohort of operated eyes which had complete post-operative follow up data beyond 9mo and did not need RT. The cohort included patients who had undergone PRK by the Tissue-Saving (TS) ablation profile of Technolas 217z100 excimer laser (Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY, USA). Mitomycin C had been used in all of the primary procedures. RESULTS: We had 70 case eyes and 158 control eyes, and they were comparable in terms of age, sex and follow -up time (P values: 0.58, 1.00 and 0.89, respectively). Pre-operative spherical equivalent of more than -5.00 diopter (D), intended optical zone (OZ) diameter of less than 6.00 mm and ocular fixation instability during laser ablation were associated with AT indications (all P values <0.001). These factors maintained their significance in the multiple logistic regression model with odd ratios of 6.12, 6.71 and 7.89, respectively. CONCLUSION: Higher refractive correction (>-5.00 D), smaller OZ (<6.00 mm) and unstable fixation during laser ablation of PRK for myopia and myopic astigmatism were found to be strong predictors of undercorrection and regression.

Long term results of no- alcohol laser epithelial keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy for myopia

AIM: To evaluate the long term clinical results of mechanical no-alcohol-assisted laser epithelial keratomileusis(LASEK) versus standard photorefractive keratectomy(PRK) for low-moderate myopia.METHODS: Twenty-five eyes treated with LASEK and twenty-five eyes treated with PRK were evaluated with a mean follow-up duration of 60 mo. Mechanical separation of the epithelium was performed with blunt spatula and without application of alcohol. Laser ablation was performed with the MEL-70 excimer laser. All patients were examined daily until epithelial closure; at 1, 3, 6,and 12 mo, and every year subsequently. Main outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA),manifest refraction, haze, efficacy and safety indexes.RESULTS: Twenty-one eyes and 22 eyes completed follow-up of 60 mo in LASEK and PRK group respectively. Manifest refraction at 60 mo follow-up was-0.01 and 0.26 in LASEK and PRK group respectively. In the LASEK group mean UDVA and mean CDVA after60 mo were 20/22 and 20/20 respectively(P 】0.01). In the PRK group mean UDVA and mean CDVA at 60 mo follow-up were 20/20 and 20/20 after 60mo(P 】0.01). The efficacy indexes were 0.87 and 0.95, and the safety indexes were1.25 and 1.4 respectively for LASEK group and PRK group.CONCLUSION: Both standard PRK and no-alcohol LASEK offer safe and effective correction of low-moderate myopia in the long term without any statistically significant difference between the two groups.

Clinical outcomes of transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy versus femtosecond laser assisted keratomileusis for correction of high myopia in South Egyptian population

AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy(t-PRK) with adjuvant mitomycin C(MMC) versus femtosecond laser assisted keratomileusis(Femto-LASIK) in correction of high myopia.METHODS: Prospective randomized comparative study including 156 eyes of 156 patients with high myopia and a spherical equivalent refraction(SER) <-6.00 D. They were divided randomly into two groups: Group A included 72 eyes treated with t-PRK with adjuvant MMC and Group B included 84 eyes treated with Femto-LASIK. Visual acuity, SER, corneal topography, pachymetry and keratometry were assessed for 12 mo postoperatively.RESULTS: The preoperative mean SER was-8.86±1.81 and-9.25±1.70 D in t-PRK MMC group and Femto-LASIK respectively(P=0.99) which improved to-0.65±0.43 D and-0.69±0.50 D at 12 mo follow up. Mean SER remained stable during the 12 mo of follow-up, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P=0.64). In t-PRK MMC group, only six eyes needed retreatment after six months of follow up. And two eyes showed haze(one reversible haze grade 2, while the other had dense irreversible haze grade 4).CONCLUSION: t-PRK MMC provides safe and satisfactory visual outcomes and acceptable risk as Femto-LASIK in patients with high myopia.

Combined corneal CXL and photorefractive keratectomy for treatment of keratoconus: a review

Keratoconus and iatrogenic keratectasia are the corneal ectatic disorders occurring due to biomechanical weakening of the cornea resulting in distorted images,myopia, and irregular astigmatism. Corneal collagen cross-linking(CXL) is performed to arrest keratoconus successfully. The main aim of this review is to discuss the safety and efficacy of the adjuvant therapies, such as the combination of CXL and photorefractive keratectomy(PRK) for the treatment of corneal ectatic disorders. A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubM ed, MEDLINE, and Scopus using keywords ‘collagen’‘keratoconus’,‘keratectasia’,‘collagen cross-linking’,and ‘photorefractive keratectomy’. Search results were restricted to clinical studies published in English. Corneal CXL effectively arrests the progression of keratoconus by enhancing corneal rigidity. However, functional vision is not improved by cross-linking. Combining CXL to refractive surgeries such as topography-guided PRK or transepithelial PRK is found to be a safe and effective method in providing corneal stability as well as significantly improving functional visual acuity with few minor complications. This combined technique also prevents regression of keratoconus and reduce the risk of keratectasia. CXL combined with PRK is a promising therapeutic approach in ophthalmology that can be successfully used to treat progressive keratoconus and other corneal ectatic disorders and to enhance visual acuity.

Single-step transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy in high myopia：qualitative and quantitative visual functions

AIM：To investigate quantitative and qualitative optical outcomes of single-step transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy（Trans PRK）in high myopia.METHODS：In a prospective interventional case-series,30 eyes with high myopia（-6.00 to-8.75 D）with（up to-3.00 D）or without astigmatism were enrolled from Bina Eye Hospital,Tehran,Iran. One-step Trans PRK was performed with aberration-free aspherical optimized profile and SCHWIND AMARIS 500 laser. One-year follow-up results for refraction,visual acuities,vector analysis,ocular wavefront（OWF）and corneal wave-front（CWF）higher order aberrations（HOA）,contrast sensitivity（CS）,and postoperative haze were assessed.RESULTS：After the surgery,both photopic and mesopic CSs significantly improved（both P〈0.001）. We detected significant induction of OWF coma and trefoil（P〈0.001 for both）HOAs; CWF coma（P=0.002）,spherical（P〈0.001）,and tetrafoil（P=0.003）HOAs in 6 mm analysis diameter; and CWF trefoil（P=0.04）HOA in 4 mm analysis diameter. The range of mean induction observed for various HOAs was0.005-0.11 μm. The 86.7% of eyes reached an uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better; 96.7% of eyes were within ±0.5 D of targeted spherical refraction. In vector analysis,mean correction index value was 1.03 and mean index of success was 0.22. By 12mo after the operation,no eye lost any number of corrected distancevisual acuity lines. We detected no corneal haze greater than 1~＋ throughout the follow-up.CONCLUSION：Our findings show promising effects of single-step Trans PRK on quality of vision in high myopic eyes. It also improves refraction and visual acuity.

Photorefractive keratectomy in the correction of astigmatism using Schwind Amaris 750s laser

AIM: To evaluate the results of three photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) procedures in the treatment of astigmatism. · METHODS: In this retrospective comparative case series, 89 eyes of 50 patients who underwent PRK treatment for astigmatism were enrolled. The patients were divided into 3 groups based on the PRK procedure: Group 1: PRK without mitomycin -C (MMC) application, Group 2: PRK with MMC application, and Group 3: Trans-Photorefractive Keratectomy (T-PRK). The efficacy, safety, predictability, and complications of treatment were assessed at 1, 3 and 6 months after the treatment. ·RESULTS: At postoperative 6 months, the percentage of postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/ 20 or better was 55.6% (20 eyes) in group 1, 75% (15 eyes) in group 2, and 75.8% (25 eyes) in group 3 (P = 0.144). The percentage of postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of unchanged or gained ≥1 lines was 80.6% (29 eyes) in group 1, 70% (14 eyes) in group 2, and 90.9% (30 eyes) in group 3 (P =0.151). The percentage of postoperative BCVA of lost ≥2 lines was 11.1% (4 eyes) in group 1, 20% (4 eyes) in group 2, and 6.1% (2 eyes) in group 3. The mean manifest refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE) and mean cylindrical refraction were not significantly different among the each groups (P 】0.05). At postoperative 6 months, the percentage of MRSE of within ±0.50 D was 100% (36 eyes) in Group 1, 100% (20 eyes) in Group 2, and 93.9% (31 eyes) in Group 3. At the each follow-up period, there was no significant difference in number of eyes with haze and mean haze score(P】0.05). ·CONCLUSION: The study showed that PRK without MMC, PRK with MMC and T-PRK appears to have similareffectiveness, safety and predictability in the treatment of astigmatism. The incidence of haze was also similar between the three groups.

Comparison of Postoperative Pain Following Laser-assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy and Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy:a Prospective,Random Paired Bilateral Eye Study

Purpose:To compare postoperative pain following laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy(LASEK) and transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy(T-PRK, two-step surgery) and alleviate postoperative subjective pain.Methods:.Thirty patients(60 eyes) with myopia or myopic astigmatism were consecutively recruited into this prospective,randomized paired study..Patients underwent LASEK in one eye,and T-PRK in the other. The degree of pain was rated on a scale of 0-10 on postoperative days 1,2 and 3..Uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA) and subepithelial corneal haze were assessed at postoperative 1 and 3 months.Results:.The pain was relieved on the 4th postoperative day in all patients,.healing of corneal epithelium was observed at4-5 days after surgery and contact lenses were removed promptly.At postoperative 1 day,.the mean subjective pain score in the LASEK group was 3.2±1.88 and 4.43±1.61 in TPRK group(P=0.008).No significant difference was found between two groups on postoperative 2 and 3 days. At postoperative 3 months, the percentage of UCVA ≥0.8 in the LASEK group was 100% and 96.7% in the T-PRK group.(P =0.24),93.3% of patients in the LASEK with UCVA ≥1.0 and 90%in the T-PRK group(P=0.64). In the LASEK group, the value of corneal haze was 0.26 ±0.21 and 0.27 ±0.25 in the T-PRK group(P=0.877).Conclusion:.Good visual acuity was obtained in both groups at postoperative 3 months. Compared with those in the T-PRKgroup, patients undergoing had less discomfort in the LASEK group, which may be associated with corneal epithelial activity. The changing curve of subjective pain in the T-PRK group was relatively flat and stable at postoperative 3 days.

Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy for myopia:effect of age and keratometric values

AIM:To investigate demographic and preoperative factors increasing the risk of ametropia following transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy(trans PRK)in myopia and myopic astigmatism.METHODS:This retrospective cohort study included myopic eyes(-0.50 to-8.75 D)with or without astigmatism(up to 3.50 D)enrolled at Dr.Yap Eye Hospital Yogyakarta.Trans PRK was performed using Technolaz 217 z100 excimer laser.Subjects were clustered into ametropia and emmetropia group based on uncorrected distance visual acuities(UDVA)3 mo post-operatively.Multiple preoperative and intraoperative parameters were analyzed using Logistic regression to obtain their effect on ametropia risk following trans PRK.RESULTS:A total of 140 eyes of 87 consecutive subjects were studied.Prevalence of ametropia following trans PRK was 20(14.29%)eyes.Subjects in ametropia group were significantly older than the emmetropia group(31.80±14.23 vs 18.88±2.41,respectively;P<0.001).Bivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that older age(OR=1.23),higher preoperative spherical equivalent(>-6 D;OR=12.78),steeper anterior keratometric readings(Kmax>45 D and mean K>44 D;OR=4.28 and 4.35,respectively)increased the risk of ametropia following trans PRK.Adjusted multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age was the strongest predictor for the incidence of ametropia following trans PRK.Complications of trans PRK were overcorrection,suspected posterior keratoectasia and accommodation insuffiency.CONCLUSION:Older age can be the strongest factor for increasing ametropia risk following trans PRK.Cut-off points of Kmax and mean K at 45 and 44 D respectively are proposed as the predictors for ametropia following trans PRK.

5-year follow-up of combined non-topography guided photorefractive keratectomy and corneal collagen cross linking for keratoconus

AIM： To evaluate the visual outcomes of simultaneous non-topography guided photorefractive keratectomy（PRK） and corneal collagen cross-linking（CXL） in eyes with keratoconus 5 y after the procedure.METHODS： Prospective, interventional, non-randomized, and non-controlled case series design was used. Sixty eyes of 30 patients（16 males and 14 females; age： 21-41 y） with mild, non-progressive（stages 1-2） keratoconus were enrolled. Refraction, uncorrected distance visual acuity（UDVA） and corrected distance visual acuity（CDVA）, flat and steep keratometry readings, and adverse events were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. Data were collected preoperatively and postoperatively at 3 mo, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 y follow-up visits after combined non-topography-guided PRK with CXL was performed. All patients had at least 5 y of follow-up.RESULTS： All study parameters showed a statistically significant improvement at 5 y over baseline values. The mean follow-up time was 68.20±4.71 mo（range： 60-106 mo）. Patients showed a significant improvement in UDVA from 1.24±0.79 log MAR prior to combined non-TG-PRK＋CXL to 0.06±0.15 log MAR postoperatively at the time of their last follow-up visit. CDVA significantly increased from 0.06±0.19 log MAR preoperatively to 0.03±0.12 log MAR postoperatively. A significant decrease in the mean spherical equivalent（SE） refraction was observed from-2.28±1.8 to-0.79±0.93 diopters（D）（P〈0.05）, and the manifest sphere decreased from-1.62±1.23 to-0.27±0.21 D（P=0.001）. The manifest cylinder significantly decreased from-1.73±0.86 to-0.29±0.34 D postoperatively（P=0.001）. The mean steep keratometry was 45.13±1.32 vs 47.28±2.12 D preoperatively（P〈0.05）, and the preoperative mean steepest keratometry（Kmax） 48.6±3.1 was reduced significantly to 46.8±2.9 postoperatively（P〈0.05）. CONCLUSION： Combined non-TG-PRK with 15 min CXL is an effective and safe option for correcting mild refractive error and improving visual acuity in patients with mild stable keratoconus.

Photorefractive keratectomy after cataract surgery in uncommon cases: long-term results

AIM： To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the excimer laser correction of the residual refractive errors after cataract extraction with intraocular lens（IOL） implantation in uncommon cases.METHODS： Totally 24 patients with high residual refractive error after cataract surgery with IOL implantation were examined. Twenty-two patients had a history of phacoemulsification and IOL implantation, and two had extra-capsular cataract extraction with IOL implantation. Detailed examination of preoperative medical records was done to explain the origin of the post-cataract refractive errors. All patients underwent photorefractire keratectomy（PRK） enhancement. The mean outcome measures were refraction, uncorretted visual acuity（UCVA）, best corrected visual acuity（BCVA） and corneal transparency and follow up ranged from 1 to 8 y.RESULTS： The principal causes of residual ametropia was inexact IOL calculation in abnormal eyes with high myopia and congenital lens abnormalities, followed by corneal astigmatism both suture induced and preexisting. After cataract surgery and before the laser enhancement the mean spherical equivalent（SE） was-0.56±3 D ranging from-4.62 to ＋2.25 D in high myopic patients, instead it was-1±1.73 D ranging from-3.25 to ＋3.75 D in the astigmatic eyes, with a mean cylinder of-3.75±0 ranging from-3 to ＋5.50 D. After laser refractive surgery the mean SE was 0.1±0.73, ranging from-0.50 to ＋1.50 in the myopic group, and it was-0.50±0.57 ranging from-1.25 to ＋0.50 in astigmatic patients, with a mean cylinder of-0.25±0.75. In myopic patients the mean UCVA and BCVA were 0.038±0.072 logMAR and 0.018±0.04 respectively, both ranging from 0.10 to 0.0. In astigmatic patients, the mean UCVA and BCVA were 0.213±0.132 and 0.00±0.0 respectively, UCVA ranging from 0.50 to 0.22 and BCVA was 0.00. All patients presented normal corneal transparency. No ocular hypertension was detected and no corneal haze was observed. All registered values remained stable also at the end line evaluation.CONCLUSION： The excimer laser treatment of residual refractive errors after cataract surgery with IOL implantation in abnormal eyes resulted in satisfactory and stable visual outcome with good safety and efficacy.

Post photorefractive keratectomy corneal ectasia

Dear Editor,We write to describe two cases of corneal ectasia occurred after photorefractive keratectomy.Due to the wide diffusion of refractive surgery,many ophthalmologists attempted to identify the risk factors and prevention methods to avoid such severe complication of this technique.

CLINICAL ANALYSIS OF EXCIMER LASER PHOTOREFRACTIVE KERATECTOMY FOR TREATMENT OF MYOPIA AND MYOPIC ASTIGMATISM

To evaluate the efficacy and accuracy of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia and myopic astigmatism .SVS APEX excimer laser with a wave length of 193 nm(Sumit Technology Inc. Waltham, Mass, USA) was applied. 316 myopic eyes of 168 patients were treated with PRK between September, 1996 and October, 1997, and 260 eyes (84%) of 150 patients were followed for more than three months, including male 68(116 eyes, 401%) and female 82(144 eyes, 599%). The preoperative spherical equivalent refractive errors ranged from -125D to -1000 (mean -467163D), and astigmatism ranged from 0 to -200D (means -033045D). We divided the patients into two groups according to the referaction: group A (from -125D to -590D) and group B(from -600 to -1000D). The number of eyes in the two groups were 220 and 40 respectively. In group A, on the 10th day, 689% has the uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) equal to or one line better or lower than the preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). In 1,3,6 and 12 months, 90 %, 96%, 95% and 94% had the UCVA equal to or one line better or lower than the preoperative BCVA respectively. In group B, on the 10 th day, in 1,3,6 and 12 months, UCVA equal to or one line better or lower than the preoperative BCVA occurred in 359%, 83%, 87%, 86%, and 84% of the cases respectively. Most of the haze showed 051 grades except 3 eyes with the haze of 2 grade in 3 or 6 months and it changed to 1 and 05 grade respectively within one year. In 10 days and 1,3,6,12 months postoperatively, the corneal haze was noted in 329%, 848%, 628%,90% and 28% of the treated eyes respectively. We found that 193 nm excimer laser PRK was a predictable, safe, stable, and effective refractive surgery for correcting myopia up to -1000D in Chinese patients, and the effect was better in myopia lower than -600D.

Preliminary results of a new intrastromal corneal ring segment as a tissue saving procedure in photorefractive keratectomy to correct moderate to high myopia

AIM:To evaluate the clinical results after implantation of a new intrastromal corneal ring segment(ICRS)associated with photorefractive keratectomy(PRK)to correct high myopia(HM)patients with thin corneas.METHODS:We evaluated 42 eyes of 23 HM patients that had ICRS implantation followed by PRK.The mean age of patients was 29.1±7.12 y(range 18 to 40 years old).Uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA),best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),keratometry,spherical equivalent,pachymetry,and aberrometry were compared using ANOVA with repeated measurements evaluated preoperatively and at last follow-up visit after the procedures.The refractive predictability and simulated/real corneal ablation were also assessed.RESULTS:The mean follow-up time after PRK was 6.8±1.6 mo.The mean preoperative UCVA improved from 20/800 preoperative to 20/100 after ICRS and 20/35 after PRK.The mean preoperative BCVA was 20/25(range from 20/30 to 20/20)and remained unchanged after ICRS implantation.Following the PRK the mean BCVA was 20/25(range from 20/30 to 20/20).The mean spherical equivalent decreased from-7.25±1.12(range-5.00 to-9.00)preoperatively to-3.32±1.0(range-2.00 to-5.00)postoperatively(P<0.001)after ICRS implantation and decreased from-2.44±1.51 preoperatively to 0.32±0.45(range-0.625 to 0.875)postoperatively(P<0.001)after PRK.The change in BCVA and topographic astigmatism was statistically significant(P<0.0001).CONCLUSION:ICRS in HM associated with PRK can be a tissue saving procedure and an alternative surgical option for correction of moderate to high myopia.