Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy for myopia in China. A report of 750 eyes with a 6-month follow-up.

A total of 750 six-month follow-up records of myopia treated with excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) were analyzed. By 6 months, in group 1 (up to -6.00D, 587 eyes), uncorrected visual acuity was improved to 20/20 or better in 86.7% of treated eyes and 95.4% fell into the range of refraction of +/- 1.00D. In group 2 (-6.25D to -11.00D, 163 eyes), 74.5% of treated eyes had uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better and 89.4% of the eyes were within +/- 1.00D. The designed predictability of the two groups was the same (P > 0.1). The refractive stability from 3 to 6 months between the two groups was not statistically different, and no severe complications were observed in these two groups. The excimer laser PRK for correcting myopia up to -11.00D appears to be effective, predictable, stable and safe in this study. The ideal outcome may result from the precise ablation quality of excimer laser, its computerized surgical manipulation and an appropriate postoperative management including detection of refractive indices by corneal topography and modulation by steroid.