Predictability and outcomes of photoastigmatic keratectomy using the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of astigmatic correction on the accuracy of the myopic and astigmatic correction in patients having photorefractive astigmatic keratectomy (PARK) and in those having photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

Setting: Specialist excimer laser refractive clinic.

Methods: This prospective consecutive case series comprised 6097 eyes with a preoperative mean spherical equivalent (MSE) of -4.

Effect of an elliptical optical zone on outcome of photoastigmatic refractive keratectomy.

Background: This study presents the effect of an elliptical optical zone on the accuracy of correction of astigmatism in patients undergoing photorefractive astigmatic keratectomy (PARK) for myopic astigmatism.

Methods: We reviewed a consecutive case series of 102 eyes that underwent PARK with a Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser by a single surgeon. Group A consisted of 50 eyes treated using a circular optical zone of 6.

Predictability of spherical photorefractive keratectomy for myopia.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of purely spherical excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia.

Design: Consecutive case series.

Participants: A total of 3218 eyes with a mean preoperative mean spherical equivalent (MSE) of -3.

Photorefractive keratectomy for myopia with -8.00 diopter cylindrical correction.

Purpose: A colleague requested PRK. The last time the patient was seen, no spectacles or contact lenses were worn. However, subjective refraction was -7.

Comparison of 18% ethanol and mechanical debridement for epithelial removal before photorefractive keratectomy.

Purpose: To assess the safety of alcohol compared to mechanical debridement for epithelial removal prior to photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

Methods: Forty-one second eyes of 41 patients underwent epithelial removal using alcohol prior to PRK with a Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser. The results were compared with the results of the 41 first eyes of the same patients that had mechanical debridement.

Epithelial debridement for secondary hyperopia following myopic excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy.

Background: To evaluate epithelial debridement for the treatment of persistent hyperopia in eyes that had photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

Setting: Optimax Laser Eye Clinics, Manchester, London, Bristol, England.

Methods: Epithelial debridement was performed on 46 eyes to reduce the hypermetropia following excimer laser PRK.

Effects of topical corticosteroids after photorefractive keratectomy.

Purpose: To assess the effects of topical corticosteroids (fluoromethalone) following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

Methods: Both eyes of 654 patients had PRK with a minimum of 4 months between treatments. Topical corticosteroids were prescribed for one eye only.

Seasonal variations in refractive results following excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of seasonal factors on the final refractive outcome following excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

Methods: We examined the final refractive outcome for 5367 patients who had undergone PRK and photoastigmatic refractive keratectomy (PARK) over an 18-month period, April 1994 to August 1995, with a Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser and analyzed them by monthly and seasonal groups at time of treatment.

Results: We were unable to demonstrate any significant difference in patients grouped according to season at time of treatment.

Reduction in intraocular pressure after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy. Correlation with pretreatment myopia.

Purpose: The authors relate the observed reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) after excimer laser treatment to the degree of myopia treated.

Background: Intraocular pressure, measured by both Goldmann applanation and noncontact tonometry, has been reported to decrease after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). However, IOP readings after excimer laser PRK might be inaccurate as a consequence of changes in both the thickness and curvature of the cornea.

PRK in patients with a keratoconic topography picture. The concept of a physiological 'displaced apex syndrome'.

Aims/background: Keratoconus is generally held to be an absolute contraindication for photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Corneas with inferior steepening on corneal topography are widely thought to have subclinical keratoconus. We were not convinced that this is always the case, as there seems to be a group of patients with a stable inferior steepening pattern on topography who show no other characteristics of clinical keratoconus.