Single step transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (tPRK) achieves epithelial and stromal ablation in a single uninterrupted process, which consists of precise uniform epithelial removal. Theoretically, this one-step no-touch technique achieves a precise refractive result of corneal refractive surgery by reducing the risk of corneal dehydration, shortening the treatment duration and minimizing any mechanical manipulation of corneal tissue.(1)
Currently, single-step transepithelial PRK platforms are available on the Amaris 1050RS (Schwind), the TechnolasTeneo, (Bausch+Lomb) and the recently introduced StreamLight. on the (WaveLight. EX500.).(2)
AIM OF THE WORK: The aim of this study was to compare the safety, predictability, efficacy, postoperative pain and haze in patients undergoing transepithelial PRK using Schwind AMARIS 1050RS (smart Pulse technology) Versus Wavelight EX500 (StreamLight).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
In this prospective interventional study 40 eyes of 21 patients with mild to moderate myopia with or without mild astigmatism were included(myopia up to -5 D and astigmatism up to -3D)Each group consisted of 20 eyes. The two groups underwenttPRK refractive surgery. In (group I) Schwind AMARIS 1050RS Eximer Laser was usedand in (goup II) Wavelight EX500 (StreamLight) was used. Uncorrected, best corrected visual acuities, refractive status and corneal haze were assessed at 1week, 1 month and 3 months postoperatively. Corneal haze was evaluated at each follow up using the slit lamp and evaluated by the Heitzmann corneal haze scale.(3) At first follow up visit, patients subjectively rated the maximum pain intensity within the first 3 days postoperatively using a numerical pain rating scale0–4 (0= no pain, 4= sever pain).