Early visual and clinical outcomes of transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy versus transepithelial keratectomy with smart pulse technology for myopia.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare early visual outcomes, epithelial healing, and stromal haze between transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (Trans-PRK) using smart pulse technology (SPT) with traditional Trans-PRK.

Methodology: This study is a retrospective, comparative study conducted at a private eye center in "Riyadh, Saudi Arabia," investigating myopic patients who underwent either Trans-PRK with SPT (study group) or traditional Trans-PRK (control group). The patients were assessed preoperatively and followed up at 1 week and 2 months postoperatively. The main outcomes included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corneal haze, and corneal epithelial defect.

Results: This study included 501 eyes, of them, 222 eyes (44.3%) underwent Trans-PRK with SPT. The UDVA in the study group was significantly better 1 week postoperatively (P < 0.05). For the 2-month follow-up visits, there was no significant difference between the groups. Epithelium healing and stromal haze were comparable in the two groups without significant differences between them.

Conclusion: Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy with SPT yielded better short-term visual outcomes than traditional Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy.