AIM: To observe the effect of transepithelial photorefractive ketatectomy(TPRK)on corneal curvature, asphericity and aberrations.

METHODS: Twenty-nine patients(58 eyes)were enrolled. The 1mm-8mm zone curvature, target curvature and 3mm ring curvature, corneal asphericity(Q value)and corneal aberration was measured and analyzed before and 6mo after TPRK surgery.

RESULTS: In the 1mm-8mm zone, the corneal curvature all had significant decrease after TPRK surgery. The curvature 3mm ring after operation was 39.20±1.99D, and the curvature target was 39.51±1.99D. And both values had a significant correlation(r=0.98). The Q values before and after operation were -0.44 to -0.30, 0.34-0.66 respectively (P<0.05). The total high-order aberration, spherical aberration and vertical coma of cornea before and after operation were 0.41±0.10, 0.17±0.08, -0.07±0.23 and 0.72±0.23, 0.41±0.17, -0.24±0.32, respectively, and these differences were significant. The pre-and postoperative horizontal coma was -0.03±0.12, and -0.03±0.30 respectively(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: After TPRK operation, corneal curvature decreased significantly, and the change in zone of 3mm was the largest. The Q value, total high-order aberration, spherical aberration and vertical coma increased significantly after TPRK operation.