Single-Step Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy in Low to Moderate Myopia: A One-Year Follow-Up Study

Aim: To evaluate predictability, safety, efficacy, and visual outcome of StreamLight. (TM)(SL.), the newly released single-step transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy platform by Alcon WaveLight (TM) (WL). Methods: In this prospective cohort study, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) was conducted on 500 eyes of 250 patients seeking myopic refractive vision correction. The new single-step transepithelial PRK method was applied, using the SL. platform installed in the WL. Ex 500 excimer laser machine. Patients were followed up to monitor intensity and duration of postoperative pain, as well as speed of epithelial healing in the early postoperative period and visual acuity, post-operative refraction and development of postoperative haze for one year post-operatively. Results: Average pain duration was 1.5 days, and the mean pain intensity score on a scale of 0-10 was 3.74 + 1.51. Mean postoperative spherical equivalence was 0.01 +/- 0.38 D, and the final postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA) was 20/20 in 98% of eyes included in this study. None of the eyes lost more than one Snellen chart line or developed visually significant postoperative haze during the follow-up period. Conclusion: The new SL. platform for transepithelial PRK is a safe, accurate platform, offering an easier early post-operative recovery, with no compromise in final visual outcome.