Straylight values 1 month after laser in situ keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy.

PURPOSE

To compare straylight values before and 1 month after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

SETTING

Private practice refractive surgery center, Delft, The Netherlands.

METHODS

In a prospective nonrandomized study, straylight values of 21 patients (42 eyes) were measured using the van den Berg straylight meter (third generation) during intake sessions at a refractive surgery clinic. Of the 21 patients, 12 were scheduled for LASIK (6 patients, 12 eyes) or PRK (6 patients, 12 eyes). At the 1-month follow-up visit, straylight values were measured again in the same manner and compared with the preoperative straylight values.

RESULTS

Overall, there was no statistically significant increase in straylight values compared with the preoperative values 1 month after LASIK or PRK (P>.05). Individual straylight values increased in some cases, however, and the values correlated well with decreased quality of vision and changes in the eye examination.

CONCLUSION

Straylight values 1 month after LASIK or PRK did not increase on average, although individual straylight values increased in some cases.