Choroidal neovascularization in myopic eyes after photorefractive keratectomy

Purpose: To evaluate the incidence, characteristics, and results of treatme nt of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in myopic eyes corrected by photor efractive keratectomy (PRK). Setting: University Miguel Hernandez, Institute Oftalmologico de Alicante, Alicante, Spain. Methods: This study was of the incidence of CNV in 5936 consecutive eyes th at had PRK for the correction of myopia. Mean follow-up was 38.5 months +/- 17.4 (SD). Results: Extrafoveal CNV developed in the right eye of a 44-year-old woman 26 months after PRK for the correction of -12.00 diopters (D) of myopia. Th e follow-up after PRK was 38 months. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) be fore PRK was 20/40 (spherical equivalent [SE] -12.00 D). After PRK, BCVA wa s 20/32 SE -1.75 D). The CNV was treated by direct argon-green laser photoc oagulation and did not recur in the subsequent 12 months). After CNV treatm ent, BCVA was 20/32 (SE -2.25 D). Conclusions: The incidence of CNV after PRK for myopia was low. Choroidal n eovascularization is a possible complication in myopic eyes, and the risk e xists before PRK. After PRK, the risk of CNV in myopic patients did not inc rease. J Cataract Refract Surg 2000; 26:1492-1495 (C) 2000 ASCRS and ESCRS.