Management of late corneal haze following photorefractive keratectomy

Abstract

Subepithelial corneal haze and myopic regression are potential complications following excimer photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). There are many medical and surgical methods of managing this haze. We present a 37-year-old male myope who underwent PRK and subsequently developed central corneal haze late in the postoperative course. The haze was managed initially with topical medications with limited success. Mechanical superficial keratectomy was done to remove the superficial scar tissue but the haze returned necessitating repeat excimer laser PRK, using a transepithelial technique. The haze did not recur. Both mechanical superficial keratectomy and repeat excimer laser ablation may ameliorate haze. Success of these procedures may depend on the morphology of the haze and the patient's individual wound healing response.