STRAY LIGHT IN PHOTOREFRACTIVE KERATECTOMY FOR MYOPIA

We performed a study to evaluate the influence on visual function of i ntraocular straylight after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). We pres ent 4 eyes of 4 myopic individuals, who had contacted our clinic for k eratorefractive surgical treatment. PRK's were performed with a Summit laser; using a 5 mm ablation zone. The straylight meter was used to m easure the amount of intraocular scattered light, the physical cause o f glare complaints, before and after PRK. This apparatus uses the dire ct compensation method to assess the amount of intraocular light scatt er. The results showed a significant increase in straylight values, in the tested eyes, during the first two weeks after PRK. After the init ial rise, straylight values returned to preoperative levels, except fo r two eyes that clearly developed a haze higher than grade two. Instea d of returning to baseline levels, straylight values remained signific antly higher in these eyes.