Change in Corneal Epithelial Thickness After Photo Refractive Keratectomy (PRK)

Abstract

Purpose: The study of change of the epithelium of the cornea in two points after Photo Refractive Keratectomy (PRK): at the peak of the cornea (ETpeak) and in the middle of the cornea (ETcenter). The study of the change of Lower Order Aberrations (LOAs) and Higher Order Aberrations (HOAs), Contrast Sensitivity (CS) and Corrected Distance Visual Acuity (CDVA) and the relationship of these parameters with the change of ETpeak and ETcenter after PRK. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven patients (5 women and 22 men) with an average age of 27 years (age range 23-36) underwent PRK. For two years all 27 patients had stable refraction. The refractive objective was emmetropia. Results: After PRK, a statistically significant difference was found between pre-surgery and post-surgery measurements of ETpeak and ETcenter with in relation to LOAs, HOAs, CS and CDVA. As well as between CS and HOA (Z33). Conclusion: In conclusion, after PRK, the change in ETcenter and ETpeak is associated with the change in CDVA and the changes in LOAs and HOAs. Also, the change in CDVA is related to SC, LOAs and HOAS. Finally, the change in the ETcenter appears to be related to the change in the CS.