Corneal light scattering after laser in situ keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy.

PURPOSE: To compare corneal light scattering after laser in situ keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy in rabbit eyes. METHODS: For laser in situ keratomileusis, a 5-mm, -10-diopter spherorefractive resection was performed on the stromal bed under a corneal flap. Corneal light scattering was objectively measured for 12 weeks, and compared to corneal light scattering after photorefractive keratectomy (5 mm, -10 diopters). RESULTS: Corneal light scattering was significantly lower in the laser in situ keratomileusis group than in the photorefractive keratectomy group at all time points after surgery (P < .01 at weeks 1 through 6, and P = .03 at week 12). CONCLUSIONS: In this experimental study, laser in situ keratomileusis resulted in significantly less corneal light scattering than photorefractive keratectomy.