VISUAL OUTCOMES AND SATISFACTION LEVEL COMPARED BETWEEN PRK AND FEMTO-LASIK: A STUDY
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Keywords
PRK, Femto LASIK, Vision, Satisfaction
Abstract
Background: Photorefractive keratectomy(PRK) and Femto-LASIK are two widely performed refractive surgical procedures to correct myopia and astigmatism. Although both are designed to improve uncorrected visual acuity and eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses, they differ in technique, recovery process, and patient experience. Outcome comparison plays a key role in patient-specific surgery selection.
Objectives: To compare visual results and patient satisfaction at six months after PRK and Femto-LASIK in patients with myopia.
Study design: A Prospective study.
Place and Duration of study: The study was carried out in the Department of Ophthalmology, Gaju Khan Medical College, Sawabi, over one year, from January 2024 to December 2024.
Methods: This was a prospective randomized comparative study involving 100 patients undergoing either PRK or Femto-LASIK. Preoperative assessments included refraction, corneal topography, and patient expectations. At six months post-surgery, outcomes were assessed using uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and subjective satisfaction with the visual outcome based on a standardized questionnaire. Independent t-tests and chi-square tests were used for statistical analyses.
Results: The study involved one hundred patients (50 per group). The average age was 27.4 ± 4.2 years in the PRK group and 28.1 ± 3.9 years in the FemtoLASIK group (p = 0.41). At six months after surgery, the mean UCVA was better in the FemtoLASIK group (p = 0.03). Excellent or outstanding patient satisfaction was reported in 86 percent of FemtoLASIK patients versus 74 percent in the PRK group (p = 0.04). Both procedures were effective and safe with few complications.
Conclusion: Both PRK and FemtoLASIK delivered excellent visual acuity and high patient satisfaction. However, FemtoLASIK demonstrated slightly enhanced uncorrected visual acuity and patient satisfaction levels at six months. The choice of procedure should be based on individual corneal anatomy, occupation, and lifestyle preferences.
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Jehanzeb Khan
Associate professor Ophthalmology, Gajju Khan Medical College Swabi.
Muhammad Rafiq
Associate professor ophthalmology Rehman medical institute Peshawar
Syed Amir Hamza
Assistant Professor Ophthalmology Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar
Maria Sultan
Assistant Professor Ophthalmology KMU Hospital and Research Centre Peshawar
Muhammad Waseem
Associate Professor Ophthalmology Jinnah Medical College Peshawar
Javed Rasul
Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Pak International Medical College Peshawar