Objective: To explore characteristics of patients and factors that influence their decision in selecting photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and contact lenses.
Methods: A questionnaire was presented to 255 PRK and 240 contact lens patients, covering patient demographics, refraction, reasons for choosing PRK or contact lens, and advice from clinicians or friends/relatives.
Results: Mean patient age was 37 years for PRK and 26 years for contact lens (P < .0001). The magnitude of the mean spherical equivalent refraction in the better eye was 4.14 D for PRK and 3.26 D for contact lens. Advertising influenced 36% (n = 92) of PRK compared to 17% (n = 41) of contact lens patients. In the PRK group, 52% (n = 133) opted for PRK based on cost; in the contact lens group the cost of PRK was thought to be high by 68% (n = 163). Eighty-four percent (n = 214) of the PRK group were contact lens wearers; of these, 32% (n = 68) were intolerant to contact lenses and 13% (n = 28) were intolerant to lens care solutions. Fifty-six percent (n = 134) of the contact lens group were concerned about the long-term effects of PRK and 49% (n = 118) were afraid to undergo a surgical procedure.
Conclusions: PRK patients were significantly older but had only marginally higher refractive error than contact lens patients. Many patients appeared to discontinue contact lens use due to tolerance problems.