Wavefront-Optimized PRK After LASIK Compared With Primary PRK
Purpose
To evaluate visual outcomes of PRK after LASIK compared to primary PRK.
Methods
Retrospective review of patients comparing 13 eyes from 10 patients undergoing PRK after LASIK (PRK/LASIK) with 11 eyes of 6 patients undergoing PRK primarily (PRK). Outcomes compared were uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) at 1 day and 2 weeks, as well as UCVA, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and deviation from target refraction at 3 months.
Results
At 2 weeks postoperatively, 36% of PRK/LASIK eyes achieved 20/20 UCVA versus 55% of PRK eyes. At 3 months, 46% of PRK/LASIK eyes achieved 20/20 UCVA compared to 82% of PRK eyes. At 3 months, 85% of PRK/LASIK eyes achieved 20/20 BCVA compared to 100% of PRK eyes. Deviation from target refraction was 0.31 (range 0.0 to 1.00D) in PRK/LASIK eyes versus 0.17 (range 0.0 to 0.5D) in PRK eyes at 3 months.
Conclusion
Good visual outcomes can be achieved when performing PRK after LASIK for retreatment. However, visual recovery takes longer and final refractive outcomes are more variable than primary PRK treatments.