Evaluation of Single-Step Trans-Epithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy Postoperative Corneal Haze with Oculus Corneal Densitometry

Abstract

Aim: to evaluate post-operative corneal haze trans-epithelial photorefractive keratectomy and ensure significance of the corneal densitometry software as an objective tool for routine follow up. Methods: Trans-epithelial photorefractive keratectomy using the Amaris 1050RS excimer laser (SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions GmbH, Kleinostheim, Germany) with contralateral eye control through conventional alchohol assisted photorefractive keratectomy to 44 eyes in a 22 patients with post-operative 6-month follow-up. Assessing corneal haze objectively through imaging with the Pentacam ® HR (Oculus Optikgerate GmbH) corneal densitometry setting with subjective clinical examination to ensure sensitivity and specificity. Results: comparable clinical haze grading with faster haze resolution in the t-PRK after 3 month (P = 0.48). Objective haze assessment showed no significance, but with data parameters explaining the clinical haze. Epithelial healing after 3 days was 90.9% in t-PRK and 59.1% in c-PRK (P = 0.015). The dryness assessment was comparable (P = 0.191). Conclusion: comparable results between the two groups with faster haze and visual recovery in t-PRK. Corneal densitometry proved a good tool for following up corneal haze along with the clinical assessment expressing good correlation.