Pediatric Refractive Surgery

Refractive surgery in children is controversial; it is mainly performed when conventional treatment has failed. The primary indications are anisometropic amblyopia and bilateral high myopia. The major areas of concern are unstable refraction due to ongoing growth of the eye, and long-term implications. The most popular procedures are photorefractive keratectomy or laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis followed by laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. There are technical difficulties involved in performing these procedures because of smaller palpebral apertures and the need for general anesthesia in younger children. Reports of minimal haze and regression in children who have undergone photorefractive keratectomy for high myopia are of interest, as this is contrary to what occurs in adults. Additional study may result in better long-term data and further indications for refractive surgery in children. J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2006;43:333-336. AUTHORS Dr. O’Keefe is from Mater Private Hospital, Children’s University Hospital, and University College, Dublin, Ireland. Dr. Kirwan is from Mater Private Hospital and Children’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. Originally submitted June 12, 2006. Accepted for publication July 31, 2006. Address reprint requests to Professor Michael O’Keefe, Suite 5, Mater Private Hospital, Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland.