Patient Motivation in PRK and Contact Lenses

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the motives of patients presenting for pho-torefractive keratectomy (PRK) compared to those for contact lenses (CL). This study included 102 consecutive patients undergoing PRK and 85 consecutive patients attending a local optometric clinic for CL. These patients were asked to complete a questionnaire that covered demographic features, refraction, and reasons for choosing PRK or CL and not choosing alternative options. Results indicated that the mean age was 36 years (PRK) and 25 years (CL) (p<0.0001). Mean spherical equivalent was −4.6D (PRK) and −2.9D (CL). Among PRK patients, 83% were previous CL wearers, most of whom had given up CL due to ophthalmic complications. For new CL patients their main reason not to have PRK was cost. Few patients in either group were swayed by advice from their contact lens practitioner. The results led to the conclusion that the main patient group for PRK appears to be CL failures in their thirties developing CL intolerance and having a higher degree of refractive error, many of whom could have continued successfully with CL if wear problems had been better managed.