Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) with single application of mitomycin C for patients with severe corneal haze following myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and patients with apical nodular subepithelial corneal scar after hyperopic PRK. Methods: Twelve eyes of nine patients were treated with PTK and a single intraoperative topical application of mitomycin C (0.02%) for severe corneal haze (grade ≥ 3) following myopic PRK in eight eyes (Group 1) and for apical nodular subepithelial corneal scar after hyperopic PRK in four eyes (Group 2). Results: Epithelial healing occurred between 3 and 8 days in most eyes. After an average 16 months follow up, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 20/25 in two eyes and 20/30 in five eyes, and all eyes gained at least 3 Snellen lines. Best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) was 20/25 in six eyes and improved at least 4 lines in all eyes. The mean corneal haze score in Group 1 decreased from grade 3.5 (range, 3 to 4) initially to a final mean haze score of 0.5 (range, 0 to 1). Only 1 patient from group 2 needed further treatment using the same technique. Mean final spherical equivalent refraction achieved was +0.54 D (range, plano to +1.25). No adverse effects related to the use of mitomycin C were observed during re–epithelialization or follow up. Conclusions: A single intraoperative application of mitomycin C 0.02% following PTK was safe and effective in reducing corneal haze and improving visual acuity in patients with corneal haze or apical nodular subepithelial corneal scar after PRK.
Keywords: cornea: clinical science • cornea: epithelium • refractive surgery: complications