Comparison of the Effect of 4th Generation Fluoroquinolones, Gatifloxacin and Moxifloxacin, on Epithelial Healing Following Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), A Substudy of: Initial Evaluation of Excimer Laser Keratorefractive Surgery in U.S. Army Personnel (WU # 2335-99)

The purpose of this study is a prospective,double-blinded, randomized trial to compare the rate of healing following PRK after the use of two commercially available 4th generation fluoroquinolones, moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MSE) of up to -6.00 diopters (D) at the spectacle plane with refractive cylinder up to 3.00D.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Concurrent topical or systemic medications that may impair healing including corticosteroids, antimetabolites, isotretinoin, amiodarone hydrochloride and/ or sumatripin.
• Patients with known sensitivity or inappropriate responsiveness to any of the medications used in the post-operative course.
• Anterior basement membrane dystrophy.
• History of recurrent epithelial erosion.
• Significant dry eye (symptomatic sith Schirmer <5mm at 5 minutes)
• Other corneal epithelial disorder or healing abnormality