Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy Versus Conventional Alcohol-Assisted PRK in Correction of Mild and Moderate Myopia
Narrative Responses:
Purpose
To compare both Trans PRK and PRK in correction of mild and moderate myopia regarding effectiveness, visual recovery pain and safety.
Methods
A prospective case control series, with group I of 24 myopic eyes (12 patients) with spherical equivalent (SE) -1.00 to – 6.00 were subjected totransepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (Trans PRK) using Schwind Amaris 500E excimer laser, with Trans PRK plate form. A Case-adjusted group II (control group) included 24 myopic eyes (12 patients) with spherical equivalent (SE) -1.00 to – 6.00 underwent Alcohol- Assisted Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) using Visx S4 Excimer laser. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was measured in the 1st day, 1st week, 1 month and at 6 months along with manifest refraction. Postoperative pain was assessed using visual analogue scale. Occurrence of complications was documented
Results
Patients in group I showed faster visual recovery with mean of UCVA 0.3 in the 1st postoperative day compared to group II (0.2), however both groups reached mean UCVA of 0.9 by the end of 6th month. Manifest refraction was comparable in both groups. Pain was significant in group II with a score of 4 in the first day declining to zero by the end of the first week in comparison to group I with a mean pain score of 3 in the first day and zero by the end of day 4. No complication were recorded in either of the two groups along the study time.
Conclusion
Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (Trans PRK) may offer a safe ,less pain and effective alternative to alcohol–assisted PRK in treatment of mild and moderate myopia especially in cases of thin cornea.