Late Onset Corneal Haze and Myopic Regression after Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To report the incidence and clinical features of patients who developed progressive haze (≷ 1+) and myopic regression (≷ -1.00 D) three or more months after PRK Methods:We examined the charts of 542 eyes undergoing PRK with the VISX Star Excimer or Nidek EC-5000 laser between July 1996 and October 1998 and followed for at least 6 months. Results: Ten eyes of eight patients (attempted correction SE -4.00 D to -12.25 D, median -6.69 D; average age 40.5 years; 37.5% female) met criteria of late onset haze associated with myopic regression for an incidence of 1.8%. Five patients who underwent bilateral PRK had unilateral involvement. Regression ranging from SE -1.00 D to -3.00 D (mean -2.00) plateaued at a mean of 9.8 months (range 6-15 months). Haze ranging up to 4+ (mean 3+ haze) peaked at a mean of 7.4 months (range 4.-12 months). Topical steroid and/or epithelial scraping was attempted in three eyes and was ineffective. Conclusion:Although the incidence is low, no single risk factor we examined predicts late onset haze and regression after PRK. Patients may need at least 10 months of follow-up to establish stable refraction and haze.

Keywords: 552 refractive surgery: PRK • 545 refractive surgery: complications • 544 refractive surgery