The outcome of photorefractive keratectomy in low, moderate, and high myopia: A prospective observational study in a tertiary care center of Central India.

PURPOSE: To study 12-month visual outcome and complications of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in low (-0.50 to <-3.00D), moderate (-3.00 to <-6.00D), and high myopia (-6.00D to -10.00D).

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

METHODS

A total of 78 participants (78 eyes) underwent PRK at a tertiary care center in central India. Inclusion criteria were patients aged 18-35 years with stable refraction for at least 1 year and patients who discontinued contact lenses. Individuals were excluded if they had experienced ocular infections in the past 3 months, had undergone intraocular surgery, had an existing ocular or systemic condition, or were pregnant. The study compared outcomes between 26 eyes with high myopia and 52 eyes with low-to-moderate myopia following the PRK procedure. Postoperative evaluations were conducted on days 1 and 7, and at 1, 3, and 12 months. Key parameters assessed included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), the presence of corneal haze, and any postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

PRK effectively reduced myopia over 12 months with minimal complications and is a suitable alternative for patients contraindicated for LASIK.