Duration of Topical Steroid Application After Photorefractive Keratectomy With Mitomycin C Publisher Pubmed



Pakbin M^{1, 2, 7} ; Khabazkhoob M³ ; Pakravan M⁴ ; Fotouhi A⁵ ; Jafarzadehpour E⁶ ; Aghamirsalim M^{2, 7} ; Seyedian MA⁸ ; Hashemi H^{8, 9, 10} Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Published:2020

Abstract

Contradictory results of postoperative steroid application in photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) led to a meta-analysis of the existing data to achieve a definite conclusion on the optimum dosage and duration of corticosteroid therapy after PRK. The overall pooled unstandardized mean difference (PUMD) of the corneal haze score was -0.20 (95% CI, -0.29 to -0.12). In subgroup analysis, the PUMD of the corneal haze score was statistically significant in 2 subgroups, -0.57 (-0.85 to -0.30) for 3 to 6 months postoperatively and -0.13 (-0.23 to -0.04) for ≤ 3 months postoperatively. Analysis of the PUMD of postoperative spherical equivalent in participants with low to moderate myopia (≥-6.00 D) and high myopia (<-6.00 D) showed positive effects of steroids on prevention of myopia regression. In conclusion, long-term topical steroid application after PRK seems unnecessary in low and moderate myopia. New randomized clinical trials using current technologies are recommended for postoperative treatments. © 2020 Elsevier Inc.. All rights reserved.