Photorefraktive Keratektomie (PRK) zur Korrektur der Restfehlsichtigkeit nach radiärer Keratotomie

BACKGROUND: A large number of myopic patients were treated by radial keratotomy (RK) in recent years. Despite being effective in many cases, the refractive results of this surgical intervention proved to be of limited predictability, and it frequently resulted in over- or under-correction in the long term. In this study, we discuss the intermediate and long-term results of a topography-guided photorefractive keratotomy (PRK) in a consecutive series of patients who were previously treated for myopia by radial keratotomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective case series, we examined the refraction and visual acuity in a consecutive series of patients-16 eyes-who were treated by PRK for residual refractive errors after radial keratotomy in the past. Mean follow up was 41 months (min. 9, max. 96).

RESULTS: All treated eyes showed an improvement in uncorrected visual acuity, and 56% had an improvement in corrected visual acuity. No serious or sight-threatening complications were recorded. Refraction was stable throughout the study period in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS: In this case series, photorefractive keratotomy was shown to be an effective treatment method for secondary ametropia after radial keratotomy. Apart from the correct planning and execution of the PRK, it is of critical importance to inform the patients about the limitations and the anticipated refractive result of the procedure.