Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy versus conventional alcohol-assisted photorefractive keratectomy for correction of mild and moderate myopia

PurposeThe aim of the study was to compare both transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (trans-PRK) and PRK for correction of mild and moderate myopia with respect to effectiveness, visual recovery pain, and safety.Materials and methodsIn this prospective case-control series, group I with 24 myopic eyes (12 patients) with spherical equivalent -1.00 to -6.00 D underwent trans-PRK using Schwind Amaris 500E excimer laser, with trans-PRK plate form. A case-adjusted group II (the control group) with 24 myopic eyes (12 patients) with spherical equivalent -1.00 to -6.00 D underwent alcohol-assisted PRK using Visx S4 excimer laser. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was measured on the first day, at first week, 1 month, and 6 months along with manifest refraction. Postoperative pain was assessed using visual analog scale. Occurrence of complications was documented.ResultsPatients in group I showed faster visual recovery with a mean UCVA of 0.3 on the first postoperative day compared with those in group II (0.2); however, both groups reached a mean UCVA of 0.9 by the end of sixth month. Manifest refraction was comparable in both groups. Pain was significant in group II with a score of 4 on the first day declining to 0 by the end of the first week compared with group I with a mean pain score of 3 on the first day and 0 by the end of day 4. No complications were recorded in either of the two groups along the study time.ConclusionTrans-PRK may offer a safe, less painful, and effective alternative to alcohol-assisted PRK in the treatment of mild and moderate myopia, especially in cases of thin cornea.