Stereoacuity Changes following Photorefractive Keratectomy in Myopic Eyes

Abstract

Objective: To find out the stereoscopic changes after photorefractive keratectomy in myopia.

Study Design: Prospective study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Alhaitham Teaching Eye Center, Baghdad, Iraq
from 15th April 2025 to 14th October 2025.

Methods: 44 cases of 88 eyes had photorefractive keratectomy achieving emmetropia. The patients had preoperative assessment, their stereoacuity was evaluated using TNO test charts positioned at a distance of 40 cm, this assessment took place 1 week before the scheduled surgery. Subsequently, follow-up evaluation was conducted at 4 week following the operation. Patients who had amblyopia were excluded from the study.

Results: The average age was 25.98±5.4 years, with 19 (43.2%) males and 25 (56.8%) females. Photorefractive
keratectomy was uneventful in enrolled individuals. The mean preoperative stereoscopic vision was 220.4±142.2′′. After the surgical procedure, the measurement of mean stereoacuity yielded value of 165.17±144.3′′ at 4 weeks. Statistical significance between preoperative and 4 weeks (P=0.013) and notable improvement in postoperative stereoacuity among anisometropic participants.

Conclusion: Photorefractive keratectomy has the potential to improve visual acuity and stereoacuity in a substantial proportion of patients who undergo uneventful operation. The individuals diagnosed with an isometropia owned the most improvement in terms of heightened stereoacuity.