Visual outcomes and quality of life before and after photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE: To compare visual outcomes and vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) between subjects before and after photorefractive keratotomy (PRK) and controls. In addition, VRQoL was compared between subjects at different periods of PRK surgery. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that included subjects with refractive errors aged 19–40 years and age-matched controls. Subjects were divided into three groups: pre-, post-PRK, and control. Subjects in the post-PRK group were divided into three subgroups (1-week, <6-month, and >6-month follow-up visits). Measurements including uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical equivalent (SE) of manifest refraction, and corneal topography were obtained for all participants. The Quality of Life Impact of Refractive Correction (QIRC) questionnaire was administered to compare VRQOL between groups and between post-refractive surgery subgroups. RESULTS: A total of 145 participants were included in this study. The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) of all participants was 26.29 ± 5.1 years. There was a significant difference (P < 0.001) in total QIRC scores between groups. The total QIRC score was better in the post-PRK group than in the pre-PRK and control groups. The scores of items included in the convenience, well-being, and health concern domains were significantly higher in the post-PRK group than in the pre-PRK and control groups. Within the post-PRK group, significant differences (P < 0.001) were found in UCVA and SE between the post-PRK subgroups. Uncorrected VA and SE were better in the post-PRK groups who were followed up in the < 6 and > 6 months subgroups than in the 1-week follow-up subgroup (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: A significant improvement in visual outcomes and VRQoL occurred after PRK surgery. Subjects enjoyed their VRQoL after refractive surgery.