AIM: To study the safety and effectiveness of transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy(Trans-PRK)preferentially performed on the patients with retinopathy(except retinal detachment)in the preoperative examination.

METHODS: Forty-six patients(65 eyes)with retinopathy(except retinal detachment)in the preoperative examination underwent Trans-PRK using VISX STAR S4 IR laser platform, Of which 25 cases(32 eyes)in the study group were treated by Trans-PRK before retinal photocoagulation, whereas 21 cases(33 eyes)in the control group underwent retinal photocoagulation prior to Trans-PRK. Clinical outcomes of retinopathy, uncorrected visual acuity, corrected visual acuity, refraction and intraocular pressure were observed and analyzed.

RESULTS:After two weeks of Trans-PRK and one month of retinal photocoagulation, the examination results in the study group showed that the retinal holes were not found enlarged, and no retinal detachment occurred, the retinal pathological changes were stable and retinal degeneration area did not expanded. After one month ofretinal photocoagulation and one month of Trans-PRK, retinal degeneration areas and holes were stable, did not expand and deepen in control group.

CONCLUSION:Preferentially performed Trans-PRK or retinal photocoagulation on the patients with retinopathy has no impact on retinopathy. The results show that it is safe and effective to preferentially perform Trans-PRK on patients with retinopathy, and gains time for the patients to recover uncorrected visual acuity as soon as possible and participate in physical examination.