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Corneal sensitivity recovery after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
Author(s) -
Murphy Paul J.,
Corbett Melanie C.,
O'Brart David P. S.,
Verma Seema,
Patel Sudi,
Marshall John
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
ophthalmic and physiological optics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.147
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1475-1313
pISSN - 0275-5408
DOI - 10.1046/j.1475-1313.1996.96833448.x
Subject(s) - photorefractive keratectomy , ablation , ophthalmology , medicine , contact lens , cornea
Purpose: To establish the pattern of recovery of corneal sensitivity post‐PRK using a non‐invasive aesthesiometer. Methods: Two studies were undertaken. (1) A longitudinal study monitoring the recovery of corneal sensitivity in 10 patients over one year, following a PRK correction of −6D/6mm (correction (D)/ablation diameter (mm)). (2) A transverse study examining corneal sensitivity one year postoperative on 68 patients who underwent various correction procedures: −3D/5mm ( n = 16), −3D/6mm ( n = 13), −6D/5mm ( n = 14), −6D/6mm ( n = 12) and −6D/Multizone ( n = 13). Results: (1) Corneal sensitivity showed an immediate drop at week 1 ( P < 0.05), with a further decline at week 2 ( P < 0.05). Sensitivity recovered slowly over the following months. (2) Corneal sensitivity was reduced in the PRK‐treated eyes when compared to normal non‐contact lens wearing eyes ( P < 0.01). No specific procedures effect was found. Conclusions 1. The pattern of sensitivity change occurring is: (a) an initial rapid drop, followed by: (b) a slow recovery over 1 years. 2. At one year, sensitivity is still below both normal and contact lens wear levels. 3. The extent of sensitivity loss is not influenced by the depth of ablation.