In Brief | Ophthalmology
New study reveals positive visual outcomes and ocular surface changes following trans-PRK surgery
Time to read: 01:35
Time to listen: 03:57
Originally Published: 4 October 2024
Sourced: African Vision and Eye Health
Type of article: In Brief
MedED Catalogue Reference: MOIB013
Category: Ophthalmology
Cross Reference: Ophtlamic Surgery
Keywords: trans-PRK; contrast sensitivity; Pelli-Robson test chart; spherical aberration; tear stability.
Trans-PRK is a safe and predictable corneal refractive surgery technique that results in significant improvements in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. The study confirms favourable outcomes in both visual and tear function metrics over a one-year follow-up period, demonstrating its efficacy for myopic patients
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Originally published in African Vision and Eye Health, 4 October 2024. This summary does not represent the original research, nor is it intended to replace the original research. Content Disclaimer
Corneal refractive surgery has seen rapid advancements, leading to the development of various techniques, including transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (trans-PRK).
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of trans-PRK on visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity (CS), spherical aberration, tear stability, and changes in corneal surface and thickness.
The quantitative, comparative, and prospective case study enrolled 86 participants (27 males, 59 females, mean age 24.69 years).
Participants were divided into three groups based on follow-up periods:
- 28 patients after three months,
- 29 after six months, and
- 29 after one year
Clinical evaluations included visual acuity, subjective refraction, corneal topography, tear assessments (Schirmer 2 and tear break-up time), contrast sensitivity testing, and spherical aberration measurement.
The following key findings were reported
1. Visual Acuity
Post-trans-PRK, there was a significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).
85 out of 86 participants achieved full correction of 20/20 (0.00 LogMAR), with only one participant in the one-year follow-up group not reaching full correction.
2. Contrast Sensitivity
All groups showed significant improvements in contrast sensitivity after surgery, indicating effective enhancement across the study population.
3. Spherical Aberration
Post-operative changes in spherical aberration were insignificant for the 3-month and 6-month follow-up groups.
The one-year follow-up group showed a significant change, with pre-surgery characteristics contributing to the largest improvement.
4. Keratometry
All groups exhibited significant flattening of the corneal surface post-surgery.
The 6-month follow-up group experienced the most significant change (3.23 D).
5. Corneal Thickness
The mean central corneal thickness (CCT) decreased significantly post-trans-PRK from a pre-surgical average of 556.89 µm.
6. Tear Volume
The mean tear volume prior to surgery was 21.59 mm/5 min.
Post-surgery, significant decreases were observed in the 3-month and 1-year follow-up groups, while the 6-month group showed no significant change.
The study demonstrated that trans-PRK is a predictable and safe procedure, yielding favorable visual and tear function outcomes. These findings were supported by empirical evidence comparing baseline measurements with follow-up assessments conducted over one year.
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