AIM:To investigate the clinical outcomes after photorefractive keratectomy(PRK)with epithelial removal by phototherapeutic keratectomy(PTK)for 1a.

METHODS:A prospective analysis for 16 consecutive patients(30 eyes)with myopia and myopic astigmatism from July 2012 to July 2014 in our hospital underwent transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy(T-PRK, PRK with epithelial removal by PTK). Uncorrected distant visual acuity(UCVA), haze formation and remaining manifest refractive spherical equivalent(MRSE)were recorded before and at 1,3,6 and 12mo after operations.

RESULTS:There were no significant differences(P>0.05)in patients had an postoperative UCVA≥0.5 at 1, 3, 6 and 12mo compared with preoperative best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), and the same as the patients had an UCVA≥1.0(P>0.006). There were significant differences in haze values between different postoperative times(F=16.751, P=0.000). The haze value at 1mo was 0.71±0.25, which was gradually reduced with the time, and no more than 2 grades. Postoperative MRSE at 1mo was 0.9±0.87D, compared with 0.5±0.65D at 3mo, the difference was statistically significant(t=2.017, P=0.048). While the difference was not statistically significant(F=2.389, P=0.098)among MRSE at 3, 6(0.5±0.45D)and 12mo(0.25±0.4D).

CONCLUSION:The study obtained good clinical visual acuity. It shows slightly hyperopic shift and corneal haze at 1mo postoperatively. Large sample and grouped clinical research should be taken for the long-term stability of refraction and visual quality.