Efficacy of corticosteroids in reversing regression after myopic photorefractive keratectomy

Abstract

Topical corticosteroids are given commonly after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). We present six eyes treated for correction of myopia ranging between -6.00 and -8.00 D, to whom corticosteroid drops were given and then suspended. Each eye had an increase in myopia with a mean of 2.00 D (range 1.00 to 3.50 D). All were then treated with topical dexamethasone (0.1%) four times per day for at least 15 days, and all showed decreases in myopia with partial or complete recovery of the intended correction (mean: 1.625 D; range 1.00 to 3.50 D). All of these refractive variations were documented by corneal topography. In one eye, refractive and topographic variations were detected by 3 days after corticosteroid treatment was initiated and they increased for 15 days. We believe corticosteroids can modulate refractive changes after PRK.