Regression of myopia induced by pregnancy after photorefractive keratectomy

BACKGROUND: We evaluated refractive corneal changes that occurred in women who become pregnant after undergoing excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for the treatment of myopia. METHODS: Refractive results of 18 eyes of nine women who underwent PRK and became pregnant during the follow-up period were reviewed. All eyes were followed for a least 12 months after PRK. Subjective refraction, slit-lamp microscopy, and intraocular pressure were measured at each follow-up examination. RESULTS: Twelve of 18 eyes (66%) had myopic regression during the follow-up period. The regression was associated with 1+ to 2+ corneal haze in 10 of these 12 eyes (83.3%). The three women (6 eyes) who had stable refractions after PRK became pregnant at least 5 months postoperatively. The corneal haze and the associated myopic regression improved in 50% of the eyes after delivery. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy seems to induce effects on corneal wound healing following PRK.