Comparison of Loteprednol with Fluorometholone after Myopic Photorefractive Keratectomy

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and side effects of loteprednol versus fluorometholone after myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). METHODS: One hundred and twenty four eyes of 62 patients who underwent PRK were enrolled in this study. One eye of each subject was randomized to receive loteprednol 0.5% and the fellow eye was given fluorometholone 0.1%. Patients were followed up for three months. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, corneal haze, intraocular pressure (IOP), and ocular discomfort and redness between groups at the final visit. At 3 months postoperatively, 20/25 or better UDVA was achieved in 95% of the loteprednol group and 92% of the fluorometholone group (P > 0.05). There was neither visually significant corneal haze nor ocular hypertension (IOP rise > 10 mmHg or IOP > 21 mmHg) in any group. CONCLUSION: The efficacy and side effects of loteprednol 0.5% and fluorometholone 0.1% after myopic PRK are comparable.