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Use of Photorefractive Keratotomy Not Recommended For Re-treating Undercorrected Nearsightedness After Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- October 5, 2001 -- The laser vision correction procedure known as photorefractive keratotomy (PRK) should not be used to retreat undercorrected nearsightedness after laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) because of further myopic regression and development of dense corneal haze that can seriously compromise vision. This is the conclusion of a group of refractive surgeons in Italy as reported in their study in the October 2001 issue of Ophthalmology, the clinical journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Eye M.D. Association. This interventional case series involved the PRK re-treatment of 17 eyes of 17 patients, who experienced myopic regression or under-correction after LASIK and who were not good candidates for LASIK re-treatment because of thin corneas. Although initial refractive results were satisfactory, during the follow-up period (three and six months) a dense haze developed in 82 percent of the eyes, accompanied with myopic regression and loss of best corrected visual acuity. These eyes underwent further surgical treatment three to ten months later to remove the severe haze. "This study, though based on a small number of patients, confirms several anecdotal reports and provides an important word of caution to avoid retreating patients with PRK who have had LASIK. However, LASIK after PRK is safe and effective for some patients," said Academy spokesperson Ernest Kornmehl, MD. The study authors recommend other options, such as "mini-radial keratotomy" (small incisions in a spoke-like pattern in the cornea) and intrastromal ring segments, when retreating nearsighted patients with thin corneas. Of these options, the authors describe the ring segments as "the easiest and least invasive." SOURCE: American Academy of Ophthalmology E-mail this page to a friend or colleague! To print, use this version