Comparing The Clinical Sequels of Trans-Photorefractive Keratectomy And Photorefractive Keratectomy In Correction of Moderate Myopia: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Purpose: Trans- photorefractive keratectomy (tPRK) technique using the Amaris laser is an alternative and modified method for PRK in correction of mild to moderate myopia. We assessed and compare the clinical sequels of the two techniques. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 consecutive suffering moderate grades of myopia patients referred to Vanak Ophthalmology Clinic in 2020. The patients were randomly assigned to operate as both eyes of one patient by tPRK method (using Wong baker scale) and both eyes of another patient were by PRK method. Results: The change in patients' vision (UCVA, BCVA) in one and three months of follow-up in both groups was significant compared to preoperative values, but the rate of vision improvement was significantly better than before surgery in the tPRK group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of average refraction score, except for the sphere difference in one month follow-up. The mean Spherical Equivalent change in the PRK group in the one-month follow-up was 1.68 ± 1.00 and in the opposite group was 4.12 ± 0.92, indicating a better improvement in the tPRK group. There was less haziness in patients in the tPRK group than those in the PRK group. The patients undergoing tPRK experienced significantly less pain than another group. There is no difference between the two groups after surgery regarding intraocular pressure. Conclusion: The results of our study showed the superiority of the tPRK method over the PRK in correcting mild to moderate myopia