[Corneal topography analysis after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy].

OBJECTIVE

To study the pattern of ablation, evaluate centration and stability following excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia.

METHOD

Corneal topography of 312 patients (366 eyes) with a month, 3 months and 6 months of follow-up after PRK was examined.

RESULTS

The mean decentration from the pupillary center to ablating center was 0.266 mm. In both eyes, the mean decentration was located supernasally. At one month postoperative examination, uniform ablation was 49.5%, semicircular, keyhole, kidney and dumbbell shaped ablations were 42.9% and central island one was 6.0%. Central island pattern affected the best corrected visual acuity greatly. High myopia began regression at 1-3 months after PRK.

CONCLUSION

Corneal topography is essential for evaluating surface changes after PRK. Long-time stability issues are answered with continued topographic follow-up.