Long-term results of excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy in high myopia: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results of 193-nm excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) performed on highly myopic eyes with a follow-up of at least 2 years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-three eyes of 41 patients were treated with a myopic PRK for an attempted correction ranging between -8 and -17 D (mean -10.9 +/- 2.8 SD).

RESULTS

The follow-up ranged from 24 to 60 months (mean 34.1 months +/- 10 SD). Fifty-three percent of the eyes achieved a refraction within +/- 2 D of the planned correction, with a refractive error greater than 4 D in 21% of the treated eyes. The uncorrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 45% of the eyes. There were no significant opacities in 85% of the eyes examined. A second treatment was performed on 5 eyes.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that excimer laser PRK is a safe and relatively effective alternative for treating highly myopic eyes, and its effects are stable over a long period of time.