Abstract
Purpose::
To asses the long-term satisfaction and adverse effects, 5 to 9 years after PRK, in patients treated for myopia.
Methods::
A questionnaire, based on visual analogue scales, was sent to 203, 20-30 years old patients. They were treated with PRK for myopia in both eyes in the period from 1995 - 1999. The treatment range was -1.0 D to -15.5 D. The questionnaire included 19 questions and was divided into 3 subsections: [1] postoperative status and quality of life, [2] postoperative vision disturbances and [3] general postoperative satisfaction.
Results::
A 87.1 % participation rate was achieved.146 patients(85.4 %) reported a great improvement of their quality of life. 44 patients (24.9 %) still require visual correction. 36 (20.8 %) noted various degrees of difficulty with night time driving. Glare problems were experienced at night and significant problems were reported by 25 (14.2 %).149 patients (85.1 %) were generally very satisfied with the operation and 144 patients (82.8 %) would recommend the surgery to friends or family members.
Conclusions::
The questionnaire revealed a high level of satisfaction 5 to 9 years after PRK treatment for myopia, despite night time visual disturbances.
Keywords: refractive surgery: PRK • quality of life