Effect of decreasing surface and interface irregularities after photorefractive keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis on optical and functional outcomes

PURPOSE: To assess a new method for decreasing corneal ablated surface irregularities after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) by performing a final smoothing immediately after the treatment. METHODS: One hundred forty-seven eyes with ablation irregularities after PRK or LASIK using the Nidek EC,5000 excimer laser and examined with the Nidek EAS 1000, were randomized into two groups: 74 eyes had final smoothing and 73 eyes were patched immediately. Preoperative mean refraction for the smoothing group was -7.55 ± 2.50 D and for the patched group, it was -7.30 ± 1.90 D, (p = 0.04). RESULTS: At 12 months after treatment, mean haze was 0.5 ± 0.3 in the smoothing group and 1.2 ± 0.4 in the patched group (p = 0.006); mean spectaclecorrected visual acuity was 1.1 ± 0.25 in the smoothing group and 0.95 ± 0.18 in the patched group (p = 0.02); the percentages of eyes within 1.00 D of the planned correction was 68% in the smoothing group and 33% in the patched group. CONCLUSION: Performing a final smoothing immediately after PRK or LASIK improves refractive and optical outcomes.