Photorefractive Keratectomy Complications and Their Management

Abstract

Serious complications with photorefractive keratectomy are not common, but can be troublesome. Haze is usually mild, but can be severe in higher myopes and if reepithelialization is prolonged. Regression is also more common with higher attempted corrections and with smaller optical zones. Loss of best corrected visual acuity can occur and is attributed to haze, irregular astigmatism, decentration, and steroid-related cataracts. Treatments for some of the previously mentioned problems may include topical steroids, corneal scraping, and reablation. Loss of contrast sensitivity is usually mild and temporary. Problems with night vision, including glare and halos, similarly tend to decrease during the first postoperative months.Overcorrections persisting beyond 6 to 12 months may be managed with a bandage lens, diclofenac, corneal scraping, or pilocarpine drops. Decentration of the ablation usually does not cause significant visual symptoms, except in severe cases. Central islands are common in the immediate p...