Higher-order aberrations after wavefront-optimized photorefractive keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Bradley Randleman, Emory University; Claudia E. Perez-Straziota, Forrest Eye Centers; Michelle H. Hu, Emory University; Alfred J. White, Emory University; Evan S. Loft, Piedmont Hospital; R Doyle Stulting Jr., Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2009-02
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2008 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommerical-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrs.2008.10.032
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
• ISSN: 0886-3350
• Volume: 35
• Issue: 2
• Start Page: 260
• End Page: 264
• Grant/Funding Information: Supported in part by Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc., New York, New York, and National Institutes of Health Core Grant P30 EYO6360, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Health Sciences, Opthamology

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze the changes in higher-order aberrations (HOAs) that occur after wavefront-optimized photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Setting: Private practice, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Methods: This retrospective analysis comprised eyes that had PRK or LASIK from June 2004 through October 2005. Postoperative outcome measures included 3-month uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), changes in the root mean square (RMS) and grouped coefficient HOAs (microns) measured with a corneal analyzer, and subjective assessment of visual aberrations. Results: One hundred consecutive eyes of 54 patients had PRK, and 100 contemporaneous consecutive eyes of 71 patients had LASIK. The PRK and LASIK populations were similar in general demographics, preoperative HOAs, and postoperative UCVA and BSCVA. The mean MRSE was slightly hyperopic after PRK (mean +0.11 diopters [D]) and slightly myopic after LASIK (mean −0.19 D) (P<.0001). There were no statistically significant changes in RMS or grouped coefficient HOA values after PRK or LASIK, nor were there significant differences in postoperative RMS or grouped coefficient HOA values between PRK and LASIK. One percent of PRK and LASIK patients reported a subjective increase in postoperative visual aberrations; 5% reported a subjective improvement postoperatively. Conclusions: Wavefront-optimized excimer laser surgery did not induce significant HOAs after PRK or LASIK. The 2 techniques were equally efficacious and had equivalent postoperative HOA profiles.