Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy: one year follow-up.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To confirm the effectiveness of the 193 nm excimer laser to correct low myopia (1.00 to 6.00 D), moderate myopia (6.00 to 10.00 D), and high myopia (10.00 D and above).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred eighty-one eyes of 114 patients underwent excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). The minimum follow-up was 12 months.

RESULTS

After one year, 96% of the eyes in the low myopia group, 69% in the moderate myopia group and 29% in the high myopia group achieved uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better with one treatment using a single application with a 5 mm optic zone. There were no significant major complications.

CONCLUSION

PRK is a safe, effective and relatively accurate procedure to correct low to moderate myopia.