Effect of Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis versus Trans Photo Refractive Keratectomy on Corneal Endothelial Cell Count

Doi: 10.36351/pjo.v42i2.2148

Abstract

Purpose:  To compare the effect of Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) and Trans Photo Refractive Keratectomy Trans-PRK on Corneal Endothelial Cell Count.

Study Design:  Quasi experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study:  Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi, from January 2023 to December 2024.

Methods:  A total of 150 eyes from 150 patients were divided into two groups; LASIK and Trans-PRK groups with 75 eyes each. Age range was 20-40 years with moderate refractive errors and with no previous disease or surgical history. The study excluded patients who had Fuchs' dystrophy, keratoconus, pregnancy, diabetes, glaucoma, past ocular surgery, trauma or any other corneal and ocular pathology. Endothelial cells count (ECC) was assessed at baseline and at 12 months postoperatively.

Results:  The ECC in the LASIK group decreased from 2984 ± 52 cells/mm² preoperatively to 2935 ± 62 cells/mm² at 12 months (p < 0.001). In the Trans-PRK group, ECC decreased from 3011 ± 39 cells/mm² preoperatively to 2960 ± 51 cells/mm² at 12 months (p < 0.001).The mean change in endothelial cell count was -49 cells/mm2 in the LASIK group and -51 cells/mm2 in the Trans-PRK group at 12 months. There was no statistically significant difference in cell count (p = 0.86) at 12 months between the two groups.

Conclusion:  Both LASIK and Trans-PRK showed a statistically significant reduction in endothelial cell count within groups at 12 months. However, no significant difference was observed between the two procedures, indicating comparable effects on endothelial cell count.