Corneal Epithelial Remodelling Following Myopic Lasik Vs Prk
Published 2026 - 44th Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: POREF061 | Type: Free paper | DOI: 10.82333/kgjp-7152
Authors: Dr Ricardo André Marques Mocho* 1 , Dr Daniela Pires 1 , Dr Diogo Rodrigues 1 , Dr Ana Carolina Abreu 1 , Dr João Heitor 1 , Dr Silvia Monteiro 1 , Dr Maria do Céu Pinto 1
1Opthalmology,ULS Santo António,Porto,Portugal
Purpose
To investigate corneal epithelial behaviour and remodelling changes after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
Setting
Single-center, retrospective study conducted at a tertiary refractive surgery center
Methods
This study included mild to moderate myopic eyes that underwent refractive surgery (LASIK or PRK). Patients were observed at baseline (preoperative) and at 1 and 6-months post-operative. Observed data included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), objective refraction measurements and spherical equivalent.
Epithelial parameters were obtained at baseline, 1-month, and 6-months postoperatively using Heidelberg’s ANTERION® anterior segment OCT – such as mean epithelial thickness, thickness variability and regional thickness measurements across standardized concentric rings and zones (0–2 mm, 2–4 mm, 4–6 mm, and 6–7 mm) were obtained.
Between-group comparisons were conducted using independent-samples t-tests.
Results
The study included 121 eyes – 30,58% (n=37) underwent PRK and 69,42% (n=84) LASIK. Preoperatively, epithelial parameters were not significantly different between PRK and LASIK groups. At one-month postoperative, overall epithelial mean thickness was not significantly different between groups (MD = −1.49 µm, p=0.06). However, localized differences were observed - LASIK eyes demonstrated greater epithelial thickness at the thinnest point (MD= −4.90 µm, p=0.007) and greater inferior–superior asymmetry (MD = −1.85, p=0.002). At 6 months, PRK eyes demonstrated greater epithelial mean thickness (MD = +2.60 µm, p=0.002). Significant central and paracentral mean epithelial thickness differences were observed between groups.
Conclusions
LASIK induced an earlier but modest epithelial thickening at 1 month, whereas PRK exhibited greater central and paracentral thickening by 6 months, reflecting a more sustained remodeling response. These distinct temporal healing patterns may have implications for refractive stability and the interpretation of postoperative corneal imaging.