The epithelial flap for photorefractive keratectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Epithelial debridement for photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is associated with pain, slower visual recovery, and may be aetiological in haze production. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical results of a new technique involving raising and replacing of an epithelial flap in photorefractive keratectomy. METHODS A prospective, non-randomised, comparative, paired eye trial was performed in 72 eyes of 36 patients who underwent PRK with a Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser. For epithelial debridement before PRK, the eyes were divided into two groups. The first eye of each patient was treated with 20% ethanol debridement and the second eye with an epithelial flap which was replaced after treatment. PRK was carried out with the same laser and nomogram in both groups by the same surgeon. Visual and refractive outcome of PRK treatment was compared in both groups. RESULTS The mean (SD) preoperative mean spherical equivalent (MSE) was -3.61 (1.38) dioptres (D) (range -1.00 D to -7.88 D) with no significant difference between the two groups. After a mean follow up period of 62.6 weeks (range 52-70) the final MSE was +0.07 (0.61) D (range -5.50 D to +4.50 D) in the debridement group and -0.24 (0.43) D in the epithelial flap group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in postoperative MSE. The best corrected visual acuity was better in the epithelial flap group at all visits; this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The corneal haze was less in the epithelial flap group and this difference was also statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Managing the corneal epithelium as a hinged flap with 20% ethanol is a safe technique with faster visual rehabilitation and reduced haze compared with debridement of the epithelium with alcohol. Further studies need to be performed to compare pain levels postoperatively with the epithelial flap and epithelial debridement.