Comparison of Keratome LASIK Versus Femtosecond LASIK Versus PRK After Penetrating Keratoplasty
Narrative Responses:
Purpose
To compare the predictability, stability and safety of LASIK and PRK following Penetrating Keratoplasty.
Methods
Prospective study comparing results & saftey of refractive surgery in 2 groups undergoing laser vision correction after cornea transplantation. All surgery was done by same surgeon (TP). Patients randomly assigned to receive either LASIK (79 patients) or PRK (71 patients). Laser vision correction performed at least 18 months following transplant surgery, and at least six months following final suture removal. VisX Star S4 laser used for both groups of patients. Zyoptix XP used to create flaps in all LASIK cases. Cases with evidence of, or history of posterior segment disease (CME, Glc, ZRetinal or Optic Nerve Disease) were excluded from study.
Results
Uncorrected vision was slightly better in the LASIK group (20/46) than in the PRK group (20/53), p<.05. Mean BSCVA was also slightly better in the LASIK group (20/31) than in the PRK group (20/35), however the difference was not statistically significant. Complications in the LASIK group included 10 cases of epithelial ingrowth, 1 case of a torn flap at enhancement, and 2 cases of elevation of the edge of the flap. Complications in the PRK group included subepithelial haze, granularity or scarring in 8 cases.
Conclusion
LASIK & PRK are both safe and efficacious in treating post PKP myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and anisometropia. Mean uncorrected vision and mean best spectacle corrected vision slightly better in LASIK group. Enhancement rates higher in LASIK group. Longer followup, and larger sample sizes will be helpful in better evaluating post-transplant laser vision correction.