A patient undergoing PRK for -4.0 D myopia develops visually significant corneal haze at 3 months postoperatively. Which agent is applied intraoperatively during PRK to reduce this complication?

• A Timolol 0.5%
• B Dexamethasone 0.1%
• C Ciprofloxacin 0.3%
• D Mitomycin C 0.02% ✓

Explanation

Mitomycin C 0.02% applied for 12-30 seconds during PRK reduces activation and proliferation of corneal fibroblasts, thereby decreasing the incidence and severity of visually significant haze. Steroids are used postoperatively for haze but are not the primary prophylactic intraoperative agent. Antibiotics and timolol do not affect haze formation.

Reference: AAO BCSC Section 13: Refractive Surgery, 2022-2023 ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.